The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a groundbreaking milestone on November 16, 2024, by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. This technological marvel, capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 5, positions India among a select group of nations mastering such advanced defense systems.
The hypersonic missile, designed to carry diverse payloads across a range exceeding 1,500 km, underwent rigorous testing. DRDO’s advanced tracking systems confirmed its precise terminal maneuvers, ensuring the weapon’s strategic accuracy and reliability.
This remarkable achievement is the result of extensive collaboration among DRDO labs, the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, and Indian industry partners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the accomplishment as a transformative moment for India’s defense capabilities, lauding the teamwork of scientists, industry, and armed forces personnel.
The success marks a giant leap in India’s indigenous defense technology efforts, aligning with the government’s vision of self-reliance in military capabilities.
Source: This article has been taken from Swarajya Magazine
Key Highlights
- DRDO conducted a historic flight trial of its long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024, off Odisha’s coast.
- The missile demonstrated precision targeting, capable of carrying diverse payloads over 1,500 km.
- Developed indigenously, the test places India among a few nations with hypersonic missile capabilities.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed this as a “historic milestone” for India.
