India's First Hypersonic Missile: A Strategic Leap Forward

Technological Achievement

• First successful hypersonic missile test by DRDO
• Launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
• Conducted on Saturday night at 6:55 PM
• Developed by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad
• Marks India's entry into elite group of nations with hypersonic technology
• Joins US, Russia, and China in advanced missile capabilities

Technical Specifications

• Speed: Five times the speed of sound (Mach 5)
• Maximum speed: 6,200 km/h
• Range: Over 1,500 kilometers

Key features:

• • Highly maneuverable mid-flight
  • Can change height and direction
  • Low-altitude flight
  • Capable of evading advanced defense systems
• Payload flexibility for various military applications
• Tracked successfully by multiple range systems

Strategic Implications

• Significant deterrent against potential military threats
• Counterbalance to China's military advancements
• Enhances India's nuclear deterrence capabilities
• Demonstrates indigenous defense technology development
• Provides strategic advantage in regional security landscape
• Represents major milestone in military technological progress

Historical Context and Development

Previous hypersonic technology tests:

• • September 2020: First successful HSTDV test
  • January 2021: Additional HSTDV trial
  • June 2019: Initial unsuccessful test
• Part of ongoing global hypersonic weapons race
• Continuous research and development by DRDO
• Incremental improvements in missile technology