Why in the News?

On 17^th November 2024, India revealed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the nation's first long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant step in enhancing the military's capabilities with a new weapon system.

About Hypersonic Missile

• A hypersonic missile is capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 6,174 km/h), which is five times the speed of sound.
• Development and Purpose:
  • Designed to carry various payloads and engage targets at distances greater than 1,500 km.
  • Hypersonic missiles are primarily developed for military use to enhance precision, speed, and stealth capabilities in combat scenarios.
• Key Features:
  • Speed: Hypersonic missiles travel at extreme speeds (Mach 6 or more), making them difficult to intercept by conventional missile defense systems.
  • Maneuverability: Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles can maneuver during flight, making them harder to predict and intercept.
  • Low Altitude Flight: These missiles often fly at lower altitudes compared to regular missiles, making them harder to detect by radar.
  • Payload: Capable of carrying a variety of payloads, including nuclear and conventional warheads, depending on the mission.
• Testing and Development:
  • India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
  • The missile was tracked by multiple range systems, and its successful terminal maneuvers were confirmed through flight data from downrange ship stations.