The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight trial of the country’s first long-range hypersonic missile. This trial was conducted on November 16, 2024, from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This development positions India among a select group of nations capable of deploying such advanced military technology.
The missile was developed through collaboration among various DRDO laboratories, including the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with industry partners. Extensive tracking was achieved through a network of range systems, and the data confirmed precise maneuvers and successful impact.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heralded the achievement as a historic moment that underscores India’s growing prowess in modern military technology, placing the nation alongside well-established powers like Russia and China.
The successful test of this hypersonic missile reflects not only India’s advancements in defense technology but also its commitment to enhancing national security through indigenous development. This test is expected to pave the way for enhanced strategic capabilities in the region, as countries globally escalate their own developments in hypersonic technologies.