India has achieved a significant milestone in its maritime defence capabilities with the successful second flight test of the long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test was conducted off the coast of Odisha on Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Missile Specifications and Capabilities
The LR-AShM boasts an impressive strike range of over 1,500 kilometres, extending India's maritime defensive reach deep into the ocean. It can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 10 (ten times the speed of sound), making it a formidable weapon system. The second test focused on a two-stage hypersonic glide vehicle design, which is critical for its performance.
While the missile is designed to reach a top speed of Mach 10, it maintains an average speed of around Mach 5 during its glide phase. This speed enables it to evade modern ship-based interception and radar systems effectively. The LR-AShM is capable of carrying various payloads for ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometres, providing a carrier-killer capability for the armed forces.
Strategic Implications
The successful test is expected to raise concerns for India's rivals, including China and Pakistan, due to the missile's extended range and high speed. The LR-AShM features unpredictable skipping trajectories and low-altitude, radar-evading flight paths, making it difficult to intercept. It can engage both static and moving targets, such as aircraft carriers, using indigenously developed sensors for high precision in the terminal phase.
Although the DRDO and the defence ministry have remained silent about the test, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted a video on its official X account on Saturday, stating: "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."
Development and Display
The missile was first tested on November 14, 2024, during which the defence ministry highlighted its hypersonic glide vehicle on a two-stage solid rocket. The LR-AShM was displayed for the first time during the Republic Day parade on January 26 this year. It represents a major achievement towards self-reliance in advanced defence technologies, having been developed by laboratories of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with various other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
The successful test marks a powerful leap in indigenous defence innovation, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant India. The missile's unmatched speed and capabilities are set to bolster the country's maritime defence posture significantly.
