SOURCE: AFI
In a groundbreaking revelation at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Kerala Spacepark (KSPACE), a former BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. scientist disclosed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) with a range exceeding 5,500 km and a staggering speed of Mach 21 (approximately 25,900 km/h). This ambitious program marks a significant leap in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge strategic technologies, positioning the nation among global leaders in hypersonic weaponry.
During a panel discussion on next-generation defense systems, the former BrahMos scientist, instrumental in the development of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, revealed details about DRDO’s Hypersonic Glide Vehicle program, sparking excitement about India’s strategic ambitions.
The HGV, under development at DRDO’s Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad, is a cutting-edge weapon designed to travel at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5) while maneuvering unpredictably to evade missile defense systems. With a reported range of over 5,500 km and a speed of Mach 21, the HGV can strike targets across Asia and beyond, delivering conventional or nuclear warheads with unparalleled precision and speed.
Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow predictable parabolic trajectories, HGVs glide through the atmosphere at low altitudes after being launched by a booster rocket, making them difficult to detect and intercept. The Mach 21 speed—21 times the speed of sound—ensures rapid response times, while the 5,500+ km range provides India with strategic reach to counter regional and global threats.
The HGV program strengthens India’s nuclear triad and enhances its deterrence posture, particularly against adversaries like China, which is developing its own hypersonic weapons, such as the DF-ZF glide vehicle. The HGV’s ability to evade advanced missile defense systems, like China’s HQ-19 or the US’s THAAD, makes it a critical asset in India’s strategic arsenal. Its long range ensures coverage of key targets, while its hypersonic speed reduces the window for enemy response.
The HGV is likely designed to be launched from multiple platforms, including land-based mobile launchers, air-launched systems, or even future naval assets like the Indian Navy’s Project 75I submarines or S5-class SSBNs. Integration with indigenous systems, such as the BrahMos-II hypersonic cruise missile (under development), could further enhance its versatility.
The scientist noted that the HGV incorporates lightweight composite materials and advanced thermal protection systems to withstand the extreme heat generated at hypersonic speeds. DRDO’s collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and private industry partners has accelerated progress, overcoming challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions and sanctions on critical technologies.
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