India has successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, marking a major leap in its defence capabilities and signaling its ambition to join the exclusive club of nations with this cutting-edge technology. The test, conducted off the coast of Odisha on Saturday, puts India alongside China, Russia, and the US in possessing such advanced weaponry.
This new missile, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is capable of carrying various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers and traveling at speeds of Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound). Its ability to execute mid-flight maneuvers makes it extremely difficult to intercept with existing missile defence systems, significantly enhancing its strategic value.
Crucially, a naval variant of the missile is under development, with the potential to target and destroy enemy warships at long range. This development could place India closer to having its own equivalent of China's DF-21D, an anti-ship ballistic missile dubbed the "carrier killer" due to its ability to neutralize aircraft carriers and other large naval vessels.
While the successful test represents a significant breakthrough, further trials and refinements are necessary before the missile is ready for production and deployment. Nonetheless, it signifies India's commitment to closing the gap with leading military powers in the hypersonic domain.
China has long been at the forefront of hypersonic missile development, with its DF-21D posing a considerable threat to naval forces in the region. India's progress in this field, though still in its early stages, demonstrates its determination to counter such capabilities and bolster its own deterrence.
If future tests prove successful, India could soon deploy a hypersonic missile capable of significantly enhancing its defence capabilities across land, sea, and air. This would not only strengthen India's strategic posture but also solidify its position as a key player in the development of cutting-edge defence technology.
