From Vision to Reality: India Tests First Hypersonic Missile

India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its first long-range hypersonic missile on 16th November 2024, which can deliver various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometres. This accomplishment places India among a limited number of nations with sophisticated military technology.

India's interest in hypersonic technology began in 2007 when former President APJ Abdul Kalam proposed a Mark-II version of the BrahMos missile. In September 2009, India and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the final parameters for a new version, named BrahMos-2.

Hypersonic weapons operate at speeds of at least Mach 5 and are divided into two categories: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs). A rocket launches an HGV and then glides towards its target, while an HCM utilizes air-breathing scramjet engines after locking onto its target. Scramjet technology is key to hypersonic weapons. It uses supersonic compressed air mixed with hydrogen fuel, enabling speeds of Mach 5 and beyond, unlike subsonic or ramjet engines.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the success of the test and emphasized its importance in enhancing India's military capabilities. Although it has not been confirmed whether the missile is an HGV or an HCM, it is more likely to be an HGV due to India’s current lack of scramjet technology from Russia.

This development strengthens India's defence capacity and brings the country in line with others that possess such advanced technologies.

Now, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation in our Discussion Forum and share your insights.