12 hours ago
Pakistan, China fear this Made-in-India hypersonic missile; radars fail to detect it, its name is..., capable of...
Pakistan, China fear this Made-in-India hypersonic missile; radars fail to detect it, its name is…, capable of…
Leaping to advance military weaponry, India is planning to test its most advanced hypersonic missile named Extended Trajectory–Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (E T-LDHCM). The hypersonic missile is fully Made in India and has been developed with indigenous technology by DRDO under the secret 'Project Vishnu'. E T-LDHCM is considered a major strategic weapon with the potential to alter the power equation in Asia.
The hypersonic missile is expected to provide India with an ability to strike tough targets deep inside the enemy's territory. Once it becomes operational, it can infiltrate Pakistan or China and destroy its targets with precision. Top Speed
The missile's hypersonic speed of Mach 8 (approximately 11,000 km/h) renders it virtually undetectable and uninterceptable by current radar and air defence technologies. Its ability to travel three kms per second highlights its exceptional velocity.
The ET-LDHCM has a range of over 1,500 kms and can target enemy installations with either nuclear or conventional payloads. Its weight is between 1,000-2,000 kgs. Powered By Scramjet Engine
The hypersonic missile is powered by a scramjet engine, which is an advanced propulsion system. The engine intake air from the atmosphere to burn fuel, which allows it to maintain hypersonic speeds for a longer time.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a 1000-second ground test of a new engine, signifying the country's progress towards deploying advanced propulsion technology. Stealth, Power and Versatility
Unlike ballistic missiles with fixed trajectories, the ET-LDHCM is a low-altitude, manoeuvrable missile designed with heat-resistant materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Celsius. Its oxidation-resistant coating ensures operational effectiveness in extreme conditions, such as saltwater exposure and intense sunlight.
The ET-LDHCM's can be launched from land, air or sea, giving India strategic flexibility. Strategic Significance for India
With the induction of ET-LDHCM in the Army, India will join the elite club of nations, including US, Russia and China, that have achieved proficiency in hypersonic missile technology. India's feat is particularly noteworthy because the missile is entirely Made In India, a collaborative effort between the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad and private Indian defence companies.
Notably, this hypersonic missile will provide the country with a clear strategic edge over Pakistan and China.
