Faster than sound, undetectable by radar…, DRDO's hypersonic missile can bypass defenses, can fly at a speed of…, and strike deep into China and Pakistan

India.com

22-05-2025

India is on the verge of creating a major milestone in the defense sector. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is getting ready to launch an indigenous hypersonic missile that could become one of the fastest and most powerful weapons in the world. This missile is expected to fly at a speed of Mach 5, that's around 6,120 kilometers per hour. Such a development would significantly boost India's status as a global military power. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, a senior DRDO scientist and former CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, recently confirmed this. According to him, the hypersonic engine was successfully tested a few weeks ago, and the full system will be revealed soon. What is a Hypersonic Missile?
Hypersonic missiles are weapons that can fly at speeds five times faster than the speed of sound or even more. That means speeds ranging from Mach 5 to Mach 25 (roughly 6,120 to 24,140 km/h). Their incredible speed, ability to change direction mid-flight, and the fact that they travel at lower altitudes make them extremely hard to detect or stop with current air defense systems.
There are two main types of hypersonic missiles:
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): These are launched into the upper atmosphere using a rocket. After reaching high altitudes, they glide at incredible speeds toward their target, often changing direction during flight, which makes them very difficult to track.
Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: These use scramjet engines (supersonic combustion ramjets), which compress incoming air and mix it with fuel to create high-speed thrust. These missiles fly at lower altitudes and can hit targets with high precision. DRDO's Latest Breakthrough in Hypersonic Technology
On May 16, 2025, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra made a significant announcement during a media event that DRDO has successfully tested an indigenous hypersonic engine. The ground test of this scramjet engine was conducted on April 25 at the Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad. Impressively, the engine ran continuously for over 1,000 seconds (more than 16 minutes), marking the longest scramjet engine test ever done globally. With this, India now stands alongside countries like the USA, Russia, and China in advanced hypersonic technology. Joint Development with Public and Private Sectors
This advanced missile is being developed by DRDO's Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO labs and private Indian companies. It will have a range of over 1,500 kilometers and can carry a variety of warheads, making it a highly flexible weapon system for the Indian armed forces. Key Features of the DRDO Hypersonic Missile
Indigenous Scramjet Engine: The missile is powered by a fully Indian-developed scramjet engine. It is built to maintain hypersonic speeds with key features like advanced thermal management, propulsion stability, and high-temperature endurance. Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) are used to handle extreme heat.
Endothermic Fuel: DRDO, in partnership with Indian private firms, has developed a special fuel that helps keep the engine cool and improves ignition. This results in better performance and efficiency of the missile.
Incredible Speed and Maneuverability: The missile can fly at Mach 5, change direction mid-flight, and operate at low altitudes making it extremely hard to detect or intercept by enemy defense systems.
Extended Range: With a range of over 1,500 kilometers, this missile can strike both tactical and strategic targets. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Fully Made in India: From the launcher and engine to the navigation system, every major component of this missile has been developed indigenously by DRDO.