India has entered the elite club of nations possessing hypersonic missile technology with the recent successful test of its Long-Range Hypersonic Missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This achievement marks a significant leap forward in India's defence capabilities and has the potential to reshape the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
The missile, launched from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, achieved an impressive speed of Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. This places it in the category of hypersonic missiles, which are defined by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 6,100 km/h). Crucially, the missile also demonstrated "terminal manoeuvres" – the ability to change trajectory mid-flight – making it extremely difficult to intercept.
This breakthrough has significant implications for India's defence posture, particularly in the context of its increasingly complex relationship with China and Pakistan. The missile's estimated range of 1,500-2,000 km covers a vast swathe of the Indian Ocean, enabling it to target enemy warships and other high-value assets at considerable distances from the Indian coastline. This capability is crucial for maintaining dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a critical area for naval operations and trade routes.
The hypersonic missile's speed and maneuverability offer a decisive advantage in naval warfare. It reduces the reaction time for adversaries, allowing India to strike enemy targets before they can deploy countermeasures. This capability acts as a powerful deterrent, potentially discouraging any aggressive actions by China or Pakistan in the region.
The development of this missile is also significant in the context of the global hypersonic arms race. Currently, only Russia and China possess operational hypersonic missiles. India's entry into this exclusive club underscores its position as a major player in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
This successful test is a culmination of years of research and development, including the 2020 test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV), which achieved Mach 6 for 23 seconds. The Long-Range Hypersonic Missile builds on this foundation, showcasing India's ability to innovate and overcome complex technological challenges.
As India continues to refine and deploy this hypersonic missile, it is poised to significantly enhance its deterrence capabilities and strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region. This development has the potential to alter enemies strategic calculus in the region and contribute to maintaining peace and stability.
While India's missile program adheres to the regulations of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the development of this hypersonic missile sends a clear message about India's determination to defend its sovereignty and interests. It is a testament to the country's growing technological prowess and its commitment to indigenous defence solutions.
