In a major step towards modernising its strategic arsenal, India’s armed forces have projected a requirement for approximately 500 hypersonic missiles, with plans for induction to begin after 2030.
This initiative, jointly pursued by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, is designed to provide a decisive deep-strike capability against high-value targets protected by sophisticated enemy air defence systems, addressing the evolving security challenges posed by China and Pakistan.
The development of this next-generation weaponry is being spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under programmes reportedly codenamed Project Vishnu.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, and are exceptionally difficult to intercept due to their high velocity and ability to manoeuvre mid-flight.
These weapons will be powered by advanced scramjet engine technology, which allows for sustained high-speed atmospheric flight, giving them a significant advantage over conventional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable trajectory.
This ambitious missile programme is a cornerstone of India's long-term military modernisation plan, aligning with a 15-year defence roadmap expected to prioritise advanced technologies.
The goal is to establish India as one of the few nations with operational hypersonic capabilities, a group that currently includes the United States, Russia, and China.
Development streams include variants such as the BrahMos-II hypersonic cruise missile, a joint venture with Russia, and other indigenous long-range systems.
The planned missiles are expected to feature formidable technical specifications tailored for tri-service operational needs.
They are being designed to achieve speeds between Mach 6 and Mach 8 (approximately 7,400 to 9,800 km/h) and strike targets at ranges greater than 1,500 kilometres. This represents a substantial leap in capability compared to existing assets like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Furthermore, their ability to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads will significantly enhance India’s strategic deterrence.
A key feature of these missiles is their operational flexibility.
They are being developed for launch from a wide variety of platforms, including land-based mobile launchers, naval warships and submarines, and fighter aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI and Rafale.
This versatility ensures that all three branches of the armed forces can deploy these weapons effectively, providing a credible, multi-layered offensive capability to safeguard India's national interests in a complex geopolitical environment.
