SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step in hypersonic technology by publicly showcasing wind tunnel models of three innovative missile systems at its Hypersonic Wind Tunnel facility in Hyderabad. This event not only highlights India’s advancements in high-speed missile technology but also underscores DRDO’s commitment to enhancing national defence capabilities.
The first model on display is of the “Common Hypersonic Glide Body,” a hypersonic weapon designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making it one of the fastest military assets in development. This glide body is intended to be versatile, capable of being launched from various platforms, including ballistic missile systems, offering India a strategic advantage in both offensive and defensive operations. The CHGB’s ability to maneuver at high speeds makes it particularly challenging for existing missile defense systems to intercept, thereby providing India with a substantial deterrence capability.
AD-AH: The Anti-Hypersonic Interceptor
The second model, dubbed AD-AH, represents a groundbreaking addition to India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This is an anti-hypersonic interceptor missile scheduled to be part of Phase III of the Indian BMD system. Its primary role will be to counter hypersonic threats, including Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM) and Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) within the atmosphere. The development of AD-AH signifies India’s proactive approach to neutralize emerging threats from adversaries who are also developing hypersonic weapons. This interceptor is designed to engage targets at very high speeds, showcasing India’s resolve to maintain a robust defence against next-generation missile technologies.
LRASHM: The Hybrid Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile
The third model showcased is the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LRASHM), which recently underwent its first test by DRDO. Described as a hybrid hypersonic missile, LRASHM uses the K-4 missile as its baseline, indicating a significant leap in India’s maritime strike capabilities. This missile is designed to travel at hypersonic speeds, allowing it to reach and engage naval targets with minimal warning time, making it a formidable weapon in naval warfare. The LRASHM’s development is particularly timely, given the increasing naval presence and sophistication of regional powers.
Model P-32: Hypersonic Glide Body Variant
The fourth model, dubbed P-32, represents another design variant for a Hypersonic Glide Body. This model suggests ongoing experimentation and innovation within DRDO to refine the technology further, potentially offering variations in payload, range, or maneuverability. The existence of different designs indicates India’s commitment to not just catching up but potentially leapfrogging current hypersonic technology standards.
While these models are still in the developmental phase, the wind tunnel tests signify that India is on the path to operationalizing these technologies in the near future. The collaboration with academia, industry, and international partners will be crucial for overcoming the remaining technical hurdles and ensuring these systems meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare.
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