DRDO's New Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile: A Game Changer for India's Defence Arsenal
In a significant announcement, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has highlighted a major advancement in India's defence capabilities, describing the newly developed long-range anti-ship hypersonic missile as a transformative addition to the military's arsenal. This revelation comes at a crucial time when the defence sector is receiving a substantial boost from the Union Budget, with increased capital allocation for indigenous systems and higher funding for DRDO's research and development initiatives.
Missile Development and Trials Progress
According to Kamat, the hypersonic missile has already successfully cleared two development trials and is poised to enter a critical third phase soon. Following this phase, it will be offered to the armed forces for comprehensive evaluation. The missile is noted to be faster and longer-ranged than the BrahMos, India's existing supersonic cruise missile, positioning it as a potential game-changer in maritime deterrence strategies.
Budgetary Support and Strategic Implications
The timing of this announcement aligns with the enhanced budgetary support for defence, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening indigenous defence technologies. The increased funding is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of such advanced systems, enhancing India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Broader Technological Advancements
Alongside the hypersonic missile project, DRDO is actively advancing work in several other cutting-edge domains. This includes next-generation aero-engines, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), and deep-tech areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum technologies. These efforts are laying a solid foundation for future combat systems and long-term strategic autonomy.
Key Highlights:- The hypersonic missile surpasses BrahMos in speed and range.
- Two development trials completed, with a third phase imminent.
- Enhanced defence budget supports indigenous R&D and systems.
- DRDO's focus extends to aero-engines, UCAVs, AI, and quantum tech.
This development marks a pivotal step in India's journey towards advanced defence capabilities, potentially reshaping regional security dynamics and reinforcing maritime deterrence.
