India Tests 1,500 km Mach 9 Hypersonic Missile, Joining Select Nations

Nov 17, 2024, 04:44 AM

India has successfully conducted a flight trial of its first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 16, 2024. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with industry partners, is designed to carry various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers and can achieve speeds up to Mach 9. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as historic, stating, "This significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having such critical capabilities." The missile is intended for deployment across all branches of the armed forces, enhancing India's strategic deterrence and underscoring its growing prowess in advanced military technology.