India has achieved a significant milestone in its naval defence capabilities with the successful test-firing of a long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the coast of Odisha. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), accurately struck a designated target at a range of 1,500 kilometres, marking a major leap in extending the country's defensive reach at sea.
Key Details of the Test
The missile is designed to hit targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5, with the capability to reach Mach 10. The test validated the precision of its advanced terminal guidance systems, completing all mission objectives from launch to final impact, including mid-course manoeuvres and sustained high-velocity flight. While DRDO is yet to release an official statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted a video of the test on X with the text: "India's hypersonic edge just got sharper. DRDO’s LR-AShM Phase-II test off the Odisha coast signals a new era. Reflecting the vision of PM Modi for a self-reliant, future-ready India, it marks a powerful leap in indigenous defence innovation."
Technical Specifications
The LR-AShM is an indigenous Indian, two-stage solid-propelled hypersonic glide weapon, developed specifically for the Indian Navy. It is a potent, first-of-its-kind weapon that enhances India’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. The missile operates in the hypersonic regime, reaching speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining an average speed of around Mach 5 during its trajectory. It follows a low-altitude, quasi-ballistic trajectory with multiple skips, allowing it to evade radar detection for most of its flight. The missile can engage both static and moving targets, such as aircraft carriers, using indigenously developed sensors for high precision in the terminal phase.
Strategic Importance
This successful test is a major achievement toward self-reliance in advanced defence technologies. The missile was developed by DRDO’s Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in collaboration with various industry partners. It significantly strengthens India's naval deterrence and power projection in the Indian Ocean Region, a critical area for national security and economic interests.
