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DRDO’s LRAShM: India’s Hypersonic Leap in Missile Technology
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), a hypersonic glide weapon that reached speeds of Mach 10, or approximately 12,144 kilometers per hour. This advancement positions India among a select group of nations possessing advanced hypersonic missile capabilities.
Unveiling the LRAShM: A Technological Marvel
The LRAShM was successfully tested on November 16, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. Developed indigenously by DRDO’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other laboratories and industry partners, the missile boasts a striking range exceeding 1,500 kilometers. This capability enables it to neutralize enemy vessels within minutes of launch, significantly enhancing India’s maritime defense posture.
Achieving Hypersonic Speeds: Mach 10 Breakthrough
During its test flight, the LRAShM achieved a speed of Mach 10, surpassing initial estimates that ranged between Mach 6 and Mach 7. This remarkable velocity allows the missile to travel approximately 3.37 kilometers per second, placing it among the fastest hypersonic systems globally. Such speeds enable rapid response capabilities and complicate interception by existing defense systems.
Strategic Implications: Enhancing India’s Defense Capabilities
The successful development and testing of the LRAShM have significant strategic implications for India:
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Maritime Dominance: The missile’s extended range and speed provide the Indian Navy with a formidable tool to assert control over the Indian Ocean Region, countering potential threats from adversarial naval forces.
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Deterrence Factor: Possessing hypersonic missile technology enhances India’s deterrence capabilities, signaling to potential adversaries the nation’s advanced defense preparedness.
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Technological Advancement: The LRAShM’s development showcases India’s progress in cutting-edge defense technologies, reflecting the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in critical military capabilities.
Global Context: Joining the Hypersonic Elite
With the LRAShM, India joins an exclusive group of countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, that have developed and tested hypersonic missile systems. These weapons are characterized by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and perform evasive maneuvers, making them challenging to detect and intercept. The development of such systems is considered a game-changer in modern military strategy, offering significant advantages in both offensive and defensive operations.
Future Prospects: Towards Operational Deployment
While the successful test of the LRAShM marks a pivotal achievement, further refinements and additional testing are anticipated before the missile becomes fully operational. Continued advancements in propulsion, materials science, and guidance systems will be crucial to ensure the missile’s reliability and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
DRDO’s successful testing of the LRAShM represents a monumental leap in India’s missile technology, underscoring the nation’s dedication to enhancing its defense capabilities and maintaining strategic autonomy in an evolving global security landscape.
