SOURCE: AFI
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently showcased a dummy scale model of its Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) mounted on a Tatra-based Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) at the Defence exhibition held at Gachibowli stadium, Hyderabad. This display, unveiled follows the historic first test of India’s long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The successful trial marked India’s entry into an elite club of nations with operational hypersonic technology, and the latest showcase signals DRDO’s intent to operationalize this game-changing weapon system for the Indian Armed Forces.
The November 2024 test of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile was a watershed moment. Designed to carry various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km, the missile demonstrated its ability to perform terminal maneuvers and strike with pinpoint accuracy, as confirmed by flight data from downrange ship stations. Launched from a hermetically sealed canister, the missile utilized attitude control thrusters before its solid rocket motor ignited, propelling it to hypersonic speeds—exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 6,200 km/h). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed it as a “historic achievement,” placing India alongside Russia, China, and the United States in the hypersonic race.
Developed by DRDO’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, with contributions from other labs and industry partners, the missile—tentatively dubbed the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM)—features a delta-wing HGV atop a booster. This design enables mid-flight maneuverability, low-altitude flight, and evasion of enemy radar and missile defenses, making it a formidable asset for both land-attack and anti-ship roles.
The dummy model, roughly 14 meters long and under 20 tons as per open-source estimates, mirrors the missile tested in 2024. Mounted in a sealed canister, it simulates the cold-launch process observed during the trial, where the missile is ejected vertically before igniting its booster. This setup, showcased at a DRDO facility or defense exhibition (specific details undisclosed as of February 28, 2025), hints at the system’s readiness for field deployment. “Seeing the HGV on a Tatra TEL is a big step—DRDO isn’t just testing; they’re preparing for action,” remarked a defence enthusiast on X.
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles combine blistering speed with unpredictable trajectories, making them nearly impossible to intercept with current air defense systems. Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed arc, HGVs glide through the atmosphere at low altitudes, using aerodynamic lift to maneuver toward their targets. India’s version, with a reported range of 1,500+ km and speeds potentially exceeding Mach 9, offers a strategic edge in the Indo-Pacific, where maritime dominance is contested.
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