India’s pursuit of hypersonic missile technology marks a transformative chapter in its defense capabilities, positioning the nation among global leaders in advanced weaponry. With successful tests of systems like the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM) under Project Vishnu, the BrahMos-II, and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), India is advancing rapidly in the hypersonic arms race.
These cutting-edge missiles, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 6 and ranges up to 1,500–2,500 km, enhance India’s strategic deterrence and operational versatility. This article explores India’s hypersonic missile programs, their technical specifications, strategic significance, and the challenges ahead, offering a deep dive into how these advancements reshape India’s defense landscape.
The Rise of Hypersonic Technology in India
India’s hypersonic missile development, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), reflects a strategic response to global and regional security dynamics. Hypersonic weapons, which travel faster than Mach 5 (approximately 6,174 km/h), offer unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and the ability to evade advanced missile defense systems. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs) powered by scramjet engines and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) provide low-altitude, non-predictable flight paths, making them nearly impossible to intercept.
India’s programs, including the ET-LDHCM, BrahMos-II, and LRAShM, aim to bolster deterrence against adversaries like China and Pakistan while enhancing precision strike capabilities across land, sea, and air domains.
The journey began with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a testbed for validating scramjet propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. Its success in 2020, achieving Mach 6 for 22–23 seconds, laid the foundation for operational systems. Recent milestones, such as the LRAShM test in November 2024 and the ET-LDHCM test in July 2025, demonstrate India’s growing prowess. These advancements align with the global hypersonic race, where nations like the United States, Russia, and China are deploying systems like the U.S. HAWC, Russia’s 3M22 Zircon, and China’s DF-17. India’s focus on indigenous technology, supported by institutions like IIT Kanpur and industry partners, underscores its commitment to self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative.
Key Hypersonic Missile Programs
India’s hypersonic missile portfolio includes three flagship programs, each designed for specific strategic and tactical roles. The table below summarizes their key features:
| Program | Speed | Range | Propulsion | Launch Platforms | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ET-LDHCM (Project Vishnu) | Mach 8 | 1,500–2,500 km | Scramjet | Land, sea, air | Tested July 2025, operational by 2030–2032 |
| BrahMos-II | Mach 6–8 | Up to 1,500 km | Scramjet | Land, sea, air | Flight trials by 2026–2027 |
| LRAShM | Mach 6+ | ~1,700 km | Rocket booster + HGV | Shore-based TEL, ships | Tested November 2024, induction by 2027–2028 |
Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM)
Under the classified Project Vishnu, the ET-LDHCM represents India’s most ambitious hypersonic endeavor. Successfully tested between July 14–16, 2025, this missile achieved Mach 8 speeds and validated a 1,500 km range, with potential extensions to 2,500 km for surface-to-surface roles. Powered by an indigenous scramjet engine, the ET-LDHCM cruises at low altitudes, executing mid-flight maneuvers to evade radar and missile defenses. Its multi-platform adaptability—compatible with mobile launchers, naval ships, and aircraft like the Su-30 MKI—makes it a versatile asset for the Indian Armed Forces. The missile’s ability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads up to 1–2 tons enhances its strategic value, particularly for deep-strike missions against high-value targets like command centers and naval vessels.
BrahMos-II: The Next-Generation Cruise Missile
The BrahMos-II, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, builds on the success of the supersonic BrahMos missile. Designed to reach Mach 6–8 and a 1,500 km range, it draws inspiration from Russia’s 3M22 Zircon, a scramjet-powered missile with proven combat effectiveness. A key milestone was achieved in April 2025, when DRDO tested a scramjet combustor for over 1,000 seconds, showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities. Lighter than its predecessor at 1.33 tons, BrahMos-II is tailored for platforms like the LCA Tejas, expanding its operational reach. Flight trials are slated for 2026–2027, with induction expected shortly after, reinforcing India’s edge in cruise missile technology.
Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM)
The LRAShM, tested on November 16, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, is a hypersonic missile designed for anti-ship and land-attack roles. Achieving Mach 6+ and a 1,700 km range, it features a delta-winged hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) for terminal maneuvers, making it a formidable “carrier killer.” Launched from shore-based Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs) and compatible with ship-based Universal Vertical Launch Modules (UVLMs), the LRAShM enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to neutralize enemy warships at extended ranges. Its adaptability for the Army and Air Force aligns with India’s vision for an Integrated Rocket Force, countering adversaries’ anti-access/area-denial strategies.
Technological Innovations Driving Success
India’s hypersonic programs rely on breakthroughs in propulsion, materials, and guidance systems. The development of scramjet engines, which use atmospheric oxygen for combustion, is a cornerstone of these efforts. The April 2025 ground test of a subscale scramjet for 1,000 seconds demonstrated sustained supersonic combustion, a critical step for the ET-LDHCM and BrahMos-II. To withstand the extreme heat of hypersonic flight, DRDO is advancing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and active cooling systems, ensuring engine and airframe durability. Advanced guidance systems enable mid-flight maneuvers and precision targeting, while facilities like IIT Kanpur’s S2 Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel (simulating Mach 8–29 conditions) and the National Aerospace Laboratories’ wind tunnels support rigorous testing.
The HSTDV has been instrumental in validating these technologies. Its 2020 test, achieving Mach 6 for 22–23 seconds, confirmed scramjet ignition and aerodynamic stability. Future tests aim for longer flight durations, paving the way for operational missiles. Additionally, India is exploring anti-hypersonic defense systems, including interceptors and directed energy weapons, to counter adversaries’ hypersonic threats, ensuring a balanced offensive and defensive strategy.
Strategic Implications and Global Context
India’s hypersonic missiles address both regional and global security challenges. The ET-LDHCM and LRAShM counter China’s advancements, such as the DF-17 HGV and DF-27, which pose threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The November 2024 LRAShM test, following China’s display of the GDF-600 HGV, underscored India’s strategic messaging. Against Pakistan, these missiles offer rapid-response capabilities, though their impact on South Asian stability is debated due to short flight times from contiguous borders. Globally, India’s progress positions it alongside Russia, China, and the United States, with the ET-LDHCM’s potential 2,500 km range surpassing many competitors.
The table below compares India’s hypersonic systems with global counterparts:
| Missile | Country | Speed | Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ET-LDHCM | India | Mach 8 | 1,500–2,500 km | Multi-platform, long-range |
| BrahMos-II | India/Russia | Mach 6–8 | 1,500 km | Lightweight, Zircon-inspired |
| LRAShM | India | Mach 6+ | 1,700 km | HGV-based, anti-ship focus |
| 3M22 Zircon | Russia | Mach 9 | 1,000 km | Combat-proven, naval focus |
| DF-17 | China | Mach 5–10 | 1,800–2,500 km | HGV, nuclear-capable |
| HAWC | USA | Mach 5+ | Classified | Scramjet-powered |
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its progress, India faces challenges in scaling hypersonic technology. Thermal management remains a hurdle, as sustained hypersonic flight generates extreme heat, requiring advanced materials and cooling systems. Developing guidance systems for precise, maneuverable strikes at Mach 8 demands further innovation. Cost and production are also concerns, with programs like BrahMos-II facing delays due to high costs. DRDO’s focus on indigenous development mitigates reliance on foreign technology but requires sustained investment and collaboration with academia and industry.
Looking ahead, India plans to develop 12 hypersonic missile variants, including HGVs and anti-hypersonic systems, with induction timelines of 2027–2032. The HGV-202F, a private-sector initiative by HTNP Industries, promises Mach 20–21 speeds and a 5,500 km range, though its progress remains unverified. Continued testing, supported by facilities like IIT Kanpur’s S2 tunnel, will be crucial for operationalizing these systems. India’s hypersonic advancements not only strengthen its defense posture but also hold potential for civilian applications, such as low-cost satellite launches via the HSTDV.
Conclusion
India’s hypersonic cruise missile programs—ET-LDHCM, BrahMos-II, and LRAShM—represent a monumental leap in its defense capabilities. With speeds up to Mach 8, ranges exceeding 1,500 km, and advanced scramjet technology, these missiles enhance India’s strategic deterrence and tactical flexibility. By addressing regional threats and competing in the global hypersonic race, India is cementing its position as a defense powerhouse. As DRDO overcomes technical and financial challenges, the induction of these systems by 2030 will redefine India’s military landscape, ensuring it remains a step ahead in an era of rapid technological evolution. For the latest updates on India’s defense advancements, stay tuned to credible sources like the Ministry of Defence and leading defense journals.
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