DIGIVESTASI - India Successfully Tests Long-Range Hypersonic Missile, Marks a New Milestone, India has successfully tested an indigenously developed long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant achievement in military technology and positioning itself among the few nations with this advanced capability. This success strengthens India’s standing amid the global race to develop hypersonic weaponry, which includes nations like China, Russia, and the United States.  

The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with industry partners, is capable of carrying payloads over a range of more than 1,500 kilometers. "Flight data confirmed the successful execution of terminal maneuvers with high precision," stated the government, as reported by Reuters. The test was conducted on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.  

A Historic Milestone for India
India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described the test as a historic milestone that places India among the leading nations with cutting-edge military technology. In a post on X, Singh stated:  
"India has achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island. This is a historic moment showcasing our advanced military technological capabilities."  

The hypersonic missile was developed at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories. The test was overseen by senior DRDO scientists and members of the armed forces.  

Advantages of Hypersonic Technology
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound—approximately 6,200 kilometers per hour—in the upper atmosphere. While slower than intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), their hypersonic glide vehicle design offers superior maneuverability, making them more effective at evading enemy defenses.  

This capability is further enhanced by the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) concept, allowing missiles to enter a partial orbital trajectory before descending toward their target. This trajectory complicates detection and response by traditional defense mechanisms.  

In contrast, ICBMs carry nuclear warheads along a ballistic trajectory that reaches space but does not enter orbit. With this advanced technology, India demonstrates a significant leap in safeguarding its sovereignty and reinforcing its strategic position on the global stage.