India’s successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile on November 16 represents a significant milestone in the nation’s strategic defense capabilities and credible deterrence, particularly in addressing challenges from China. This advancement places India among an elite group of countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, capable of leveraging such cutting-edge military technologies. The missile's ability to deliver precision payloads over a 1500 km range highlights India’s progress in mastering advanced defence systems and showcases the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) achievement in fostering self-reliance and homegrown technological expertise.
The flight test, conducted under the observation of senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces representatives, successfully demonstrated advanced features such as terminal manoeuvres and pinpoint accuracy at long distances. The performance was validated by data gathered from multi-domain systems and ship stations deployed along the trajectory, confirming the missile’s precise impact at over 1500 km. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded this accomplishment, emphasizing that it positions India among the select few nations with access to such critical and sophisticated military technologies.
Developing hypersonic missile technology is a highly complex task requiring expertise in aerodynamics, advanced materials, high-temperature resistance, and precision targeting. The indigenous effort, spearheaded by the APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners, underscores India’s growing technological capabilities.
It marks a pivotal moment in India's defense trajectory, reinforcing its self-reliance, innovation, and dedication to building a secure and developed nation under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
