Recently India achieved a significant milestone in defence technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of the country’s first long-range hypersonic missile. The test was conducted late on November 16, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
The innovative hypersonic missile, designed to deliver various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometres, marks a pivotal advancement in India’s military capabilities. The test involved tracking the missile through multiple range systems deployed across diverse domains. Data collected from down-range ship stations confirmed the missile’s successful terminal manoeuvres and high-precision impact, underscoring its effectiveness.
This breakthrough is the result of indigenous development efforts led by the laboratories of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The trial was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and officers from the Armed Forces, signifying a collective effort to strengthen India’s defence technology.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), praises the achievement as historic, stating, “This successful flight trial has placed India among the select nations with capabilities in critical and advanced military technologies.” He extended his congratulations to the DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry collaborators for their contributions to the mission.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also commended the team’s efforts, emphasizing the significance of their contribution to India’s defence advancements.
The successful flight trial not only demonstrates India’s growing expertise in hypersonic technology but also strengthens the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence innovations. This milestone further cements India’s position in the elite group of nations with advanced military capabilities.
