Latest news with #SudhirKumarMishra
India.com
22-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
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 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.
India.com
20-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
India developing world's most dangerous hypersonic missile capable of causing more destruction than BrahMos, its speed..., almost impossible...
(Representational image: New Delhi: During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed the power of India's BrahMos missile. To make a strong attack on Pakistan and terrorism it supports, India targeted the terrorist bases of Jaish and Lashkar with this missile. After BrahMos, India is now working on a new missile. This is a hypersonic missile that will be equipped with more destructive power than BrahMos. The engine has been successfully tested The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been long focused on developing an indigenous hypersonic missile. In a recent interview, former DRDO chief and senior scientist Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra mentioned that India is soon going to present this hypersonic missile to the world. Its engine has been successfully tested. India included among select countries India has joined the select group of countries that possess hypersonic missile technology. In November 2024, the DRDO successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile (LRAShM – Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) from Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. Scramjet engine-based technology India is now on the list of countries with hypersonic missile technology, alongside Russia, China, and the USA. Hypersonic missiles operate using scramjet engine-based technology. Faster than BrahMos India already possesses the world's fastest missile, BrahMos, which is a supersonic missile. The new hypersonic missile will be faster than BrahMos. Hypersonic missiles strike the enemy at speeds five times or more than the speed of sound (Mach 5 or more than 6,174 km/h). It is almost impossible to intercept hypersonic missiles from radar. Even if they are intercepted, it is almost impossible to stop them. The technology to stop hypersonic missiles is available only to select countries. Hypersonic missiles can change direction during flight. The hypersonic missile that India is working on has not been detailed yet, but some media reports claim that its range is more than 1,500 kilometers. India has long been making its defense preparations keeping China in mind. India is also working on a hypersonic version of BrahMos, which is expected to have a speed of Mach 7-8. These missiles are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, making them even more dangerous.
India.com
20-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future
Home News BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future As a nation historically reliant on foreign technology, India's push for self-reliance through BrahMos-II is a matter of pride and strategic necessity. India is on the verge of a game-changing moment in defense technology with the BrahMos-II, a hypersonic cruise missile aiming for speeds of Mach 7 to Mach 8—seven to eight times the speed of sound. This isn't just a missile; it's a bold statement of India's growing prowess in cutting-edge weaponry, powered by a homegrown scramjet engine. At a recent summit, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, former head of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BrahMos Aerospace, revealed a major milestone: a 1,000-second ground test of a scramjet engine combustor, conducted on April 25, 2025. This breakthrough puts India shoulder-to-shoulder with global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China in the hypersonic race. As a nation historically reliant on foreign technology, India's push for self-reliance through BrahMos-II is a matter of pride and strategic necessity. This missile, expected to outpace its predecessor—the already formidable BrahMos, which zips at Mach 3.5—promises to be a global disruptor. But what makes this technology so special, and why should every Indian care? Let's break it down. Ramjet vs. Scramjet: The Engines Powering the Future To understand the hype around BrahMos-II, we need to talk about the engines behind it: ramjets and scramjets. Imagine a regular jet engine, like those on a passenger plane. It sucks in air, compresses it, mixes it with fuel, and ignites it to create thrust. Now, picture a ramjet, which is like a jet engine on steroids, designed for high speeds. It doesn't have moving parts like fans or compressors. Instead, it uses the sheer force of speeding through the air to compress it before burning fuel. Ramjets work well at supersonic speeds (above Mach 1), but they struggle beyond Mach 5. Enter the scramjet—short for 'supersonic combustion ramjet.' This is the rockstar of engines for hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above). Unlike a ramjet, which slows down incoming air to subsonic speeds before burning it, a scramjet keeps the air moving supersonically even during combustion. This is incredibly tricky because air is rushing through at thousands of kilometers per hour, and you've got to ignite fuel in a split second. It's like lighting a match in a hurricane. Scramjets are lighter, more efficient, and capable of pushing vehicles to mind-boggling speeds, making them perfect for hypersonic missiles like BrahMos-II. Why BrahMos-II Matters The BrahMos-II isn't just about speed; it's about rewriting the rules of warfare. At Mach 7-8, it could travel 1,500 kilometers, striking targets with pinpoint accuracy before enemies have time to react. Current defense systems struggle to intercept missiles this fast, making BrahMos-II a potential game-changer in conflicts. Its predecessor, the BrahMos, is already the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, trusted by the Indian Armed Forces and even exported to allies like the Philippines. With over 130 successful tests, the BrahMos program has earned a reputation for reliability, unlike cheaper but less dependable alternatives. The recent 1,000-second scramjet test in Hyderabad is a big deal. Conducted by DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory, it's reportedly the longest scramjet test ever, surpassing the U.S.'s X-51A Waverider, which flew for 240 seconds. This test proved India's scramjet can handle the extreme heat and stress of hypersonic flight, thanks to advanced cooling techniques, special ceramic coatings, and a unique fuel developed with Indian industries. These innovations mean India isn't just copying others—it's setting new benchmarks. A Strategic Power Play India's hypersonic ambitions are more than technological flexing; they're a strategic necessity. In a world where China and Pakistan are advancing their missile capabilities, BrahMos-II could tilt the balance in India's favor. Social media buzz on platforms like X suggests the missile could be ready in four years, offering a deterrent that's hard to match. Unlike Russia's Zircon missile, which may inspire BrahMos-II, India's version will rely on its own scramjet tech, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers—a key pillar of the 'Make in India' vision. This push for self-reliance isn't just about defense; it's about global clout. Countries choosing BrahMos over competitors show trust in India's engineering. With orders for over 200 air-launched BrahMos-A missiles for the Indian Air Force and 220 for the Navy, the program is a cornerstone of India's military might. BrahMos-II could take this legacy further, fulfilling the dream of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for India to lead in hypersonic technology. The Road Ahead India's hypersonic journey isn't without challenges. Developing scramjets requires mastering materials that can survive blistering temperatures and ensuring stable combustion at extreme speeds. Yet, DRDO's recent test shows India is on the right track. The government must now double down on funding and collaboration with private industries to keep the momentum going. Delays or budget cuts could risk falling behind in the global race. BrahMos-II is more than a missile; it's a symbol of India's ambition to be a global superpower. It's about proving that a nation once underestimated can now set the pace in cutting-edge technology. As Dr. Mishra said, India doesn't settle for second-best—it builds the best. With BrahMos-II, India is not just catching up; it's aiming to lead. The world should take notice. ——- E.O.M ( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@ ) For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on More Stories
India.com
19-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
Capable of beating radar.., most cities of Pakistan, China within range, India makes big move on hypersonic missile, it is developed by...
India successfully test-fires long range hypersonic missile Indian Hypersonic missiles: In a significant development for India's air superiority, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, a senior scientist of DRDO and former CEO of Brahmos Aerospace revealed to media that DRDO has recently tested a hypersonic engine. Mishra also mentioned that the ground test of this engine was done in April 2025 at the Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad. During the successful test, the scramjet engine worked continuously for 1,000 seconds (more than 16 minutes), making it the world's longest scramjet test, bringing India at par with countries like the US, Russia and China in hypersonic missile technology. DRDO successfully conducts scramjet engine ground test Earlier, DRDO had successfully completed a cutting-edge Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor (engine) ground test for 120 seconds for the first time in India, which marked a crucial milestone in developing next-generation hypersonic missiles. What are Hypersonic missiles? Hypersonic missiles are a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 which is five times the speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hr. These advanced weapons have the potential to bypass existing Air Defence Systems and deliver rapid and high-impact strikes, as per a report by news agency IANS. If India develops the finest quality of hypersonic missile, most cities of Pakistan and China will be under threat as the radars of both these countries will not able to be detect the speed of India's hypersonic missiles. Global race to Hypersonic missiles The Ministry of Defence has said that several nations including the US, Russia, India and China are actively pursuing Hypersonic technology. Readers should note that the key to hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets, which are air-breathing engines capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without using any moving parts. Talking about India's stance in the race to Hypersonic technology, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory has taken the initiative to develop a long-duration Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or Scramjet-powered Hypersonic technology. Scramjet combustor incorporates an innovative flame stabilisation technique that holds continuous flame inside the combustor with airspeed in excess of 1.5 km/s. Many novel and promising ignition and flame-holding techniques were studied through many ground tests in arriving at the Scramjet Engine configuration. (With inputs from agencies)
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First Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Hypersonic missile system coming soon after successful trials, reveals ex-DRDO chief
India is close to reaching a significant defence achievement with the introduction of a homegrown hypersonic missile that can travel at Mach 5, according to Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, a veteran Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist. Speaking during the Powering Bharat Summit, held by Network18 in partnership with Moneycontrol, News18 India, and CNBC Awaaz, the former DRDO chief on Friday (May 16) said that DRDO has recently completed successful tests for a hypersonic engine and is now preparing to launch the missile system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mishra, who previously served as DRDO DG and as MD & CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, currently holds the DRDO chair. 'Two-three weeks back, we tested a hypersonic engine. Soon, we will come out with a hypersonic missile that will reach Mach 5 speed. All the technologies for BrahMos were developed in-house by DRDO, we even built the world's largest launcher ourselves,' Mishra said, adding that when other nations compare missile systems and choose to induct India's, 'it means ours is the best.' Participating in a panel titled Defending Bharat: Indian Drones, Missiles, Defence Tech, Mishra spoke alongside experts in the drone and defence technology fields. Lt Gen (Dr) Inderjit Singh, Strategic Advisor at ideaForge Technology, said India has been proactive about drone technology for over a decade. 'Today, we are the biggest company in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) technologies. The Ministry of Defence is significantly scaling up efforts to acquire cutting-edge technologies,' he mentioned. He referred to BrahMos as a 'very potent universal weapon' that delivers a strong impact, making it almost impossible to intercept. He stressed the system's reliability, noting that over 130 tests have consistently shown improvements. Highlighting quality over cost, Mishra said DRDO prefers the best technical offer (T1) over the lowest bidder (L1) to ensure top performance. Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, highlighted how policy reforms catalysed the sector's growth. 'In 2021, we introduced the drone policy, which, though framed for civilian use, unlocked opportunities for private players to develop drone technologies. The aim was to create indigenous intellectual property,' Shah said. Mishra also highlighted the long development time for defence technology, advising investors not to expect quick returns within 2–3 years. 'Real defense R&D takes at least a decade,' he said. Addressing the fragmented defence manufacturing sector, he called for better consolidation: 'If there are 3,000 companies in every vertical, it's tough for buyers to support them. Why don't you group them?' On the drone sector, he predicted: 'Today, there are 400 drone companies. I'm telling you, not more than 20 will survive.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
