SOURCE: AFI
Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has hailed India’s groundbreaking achievement in developing and testing its first long-range hypersonic missile. Speaking on the sidelines of a defense event, Dr. Reddy revealed critical insights into this cutting-edge weapon system, describing it as a “game changer” in global missile technology.
Dr. Reddy clarified that the missile, tested successfully earlier this month, is not a conventional hypersonic cruise missile. Instead, it represents a novel hybrid design that combines the characteristics of both ballistic and cruise missiles. “This missile is launched like a ballistic missile and then transitions to cruise mode. No one in the world has it,” he emphasized.
This dual-mode capability makes the system a strategic marvel, blending the high speed and altitude of a ballistic missile with the maneuverability and sustained flight characteristics of a cruise missile. Such an innovation significantly enhances the missile’s ability to evade enemy defenses, making it nearly impossible to intercept.
Hypersonic weapons are at the forefront of modern military advancements due to their unmatched speed, precision, and adaptability. By achieving a successful test of this advanced system, India has joined an elite group of nations pursuing hypersonic capabilities. However, the unique hybrid design places India ahead of global peers in this niche technological domain.