In a defining moment for India’s defense capabilities, the country successfully tested a long-range , marking a monumental leap in military technology. The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailing it as a “historic moment” for India.

“This is a historic moment,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a statement on Sunday. “India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile. This achievement places us in a select group of nations capable of such advanced military technology.”

The missile, indigenously developed by DRDO in collaboration with industry partners, has a reported range exceeding 1,500 kilometers and can carry multiple payloads. Hypersonic weapons, known for traveling at speeds between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound (Mach 5 to Mach 25), are considered the apex of missile technology, capable of evading modern defense systems while delivering precision strikes.

The test, conducted in the presence of senior DRDO scientists and armed forces personnel, was declared a resounding success. Multiple tracking systems, including radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry systems, monitored the missile’s flight path, ensuring complete evaluation of its performance.

This latest milestone underscores India’s focus on self-reliance in defense. The hypersonic missile was developed by DRDO’s Hyderabad-based Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, supported by various other laboratories and industrial partners.

“This achievement symbolizes the strength of our indigenous technology and the collaborative efforts of DRDO and the armed forces,” an official said, highlighting the significance of this development in bolstering India’s defense infrastructure.

This success comes shortly after DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on November 12. Launched from a mobile articulated launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, the missile showcased advanced avionics, sophisticated software, and an ability to perform complex maneuvers at varying altitudes and speeds.

The hypersonic missile, like the LRLACM, demonstrated seamless integration of cutting-edge systems and capabilities.

India’s successful test places it among a handful of nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, with hypersonic missile capabilities. This elite technology is poised to redefine the dynamics of global military strategy, with India now at the forefront of innovation.

A Leap for National Security
Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the armed forces for this groundbreaking achievement. “This is a proud moment for every Indian, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and ensuring robust defense capabilities,” he said.

With the successful development and testing of hypersonic weapons, India has sent a clear message about its growing technological prowess and its readiness to address modern defense challenges. This accomplishment is not just a step forward for the military but a testament to the vision of a self-reliant India.