New Batch Registration: 15-July & 25-July 2025
+91 8988885151
It has come to our attention that certain coaching centers are misusing names similar to ours, such as Vajirao or Bajirao, in an attempt to mislead and attract students/parents. Please be informed that we have no association with these fake institutes and legal proceedings have already been initiated against them before the Hon'ble Delhi High Court. We urge students and parents to stay vigilant and let us know in case they are approached by such fake institutes.

India's First Long Range Hypersonic Missile from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

By : Author Desk Updated : 2024-11-25 15:47:15

INDIA’S FIRST LONG RANGE HYPERSONIC MISSILE

  • India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of its first long-range hypersonic missile on November 17, off the coast of Odisha.
  • This achievement marks a significant milestone for India, positioning it among a select group of nations capable of developing and testing such advanced military technology.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the test as a historic moment, highlighting it as a major step for India in the field of advanced military technologies. With this success, India joins a small group of countries that have the ability to develop and test hypersonic missiles.
  • The missile was launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
  • This location is named after India’s former president and renowned missile scientist, APJ Abdul Kalam.
KEY FEATURES
  • Range: The missile has the ability to strike targets over 1,500 kilometers away and can carry different types of payloads.
  • Indigenous Development: The missile was developed by several DRDO laboratories, along with industry partners.
  • The core development took place at the APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
What is a Hypersonic Missile?
  • A hypersonic missile is a missile that travels at speeds of at least Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound (around 1 mile per second).
  • Hypersonic missiles are much faster and more maneuverable than traditional ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed, predictable path.
TYPES OF HYPERSONIC MISSILES
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): These are launched from a rocket and then glide towards the target.
  • Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM): These missiles are powered by scramjets (air-breathing engines), which help maintain high speeds after the initial launch.
  • Long-Range Strike: Hypersonic missiles can strike distant targets, including highly protected or time-sensitive targets like moving missiles or critical facilities.
  • Difficult to Track: Due to their high speed and low flight path, hypersonic missiles are hard to detect using traditional radar systems or surface-based sensors.
  • Kinetic Energy: Hypersonic missiles use kinetic energy (energy from motion) to destroy targets, including structures that are hard to penetrate using conventional weapons, such as underground facilities.
CHALLENGES OF HYPERSONIC MISSILES
  • Heat and Friction: The extreme speeds create significant heat due to air resistance, requiring special materials that can withstand such conditions.
  • Precision Maneuverability: The missile must be extremely precise in its movement, which makes the design and operation of these missiles highly complex.
  • Communication Difficulties: It is difficult to maintain communication with a hypersonic missile during flight due to its high speed and altitude.
  • Cost: Developing and producing hypersonic missiles is much more expensive than traditional ballistic missiles due to their cutting-edge technology.
GLOBAL RACE IN HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY
  • Russia: Russia is a leader in hypersonic missile development. In 2022, Russia used a hypersonic missile for the first time during the Ukraine conflict, targeting an underground warehouse in Ivano-Frankivsk.
  • China: China is also advancing in hypersonic missile technology, with several successful tests of its own hypersonic weapons.
  • United States: The U.S. is heavily investing in hypersonic missile technology. In May 2023, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $756 million contract to develop a ground-based hypersonic missile system, known as the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW).
  • Other Countries: Several nations, including France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, and Israel, are also working on developing hypersonic m
BALLISTIC MISSILE V/S HYPERSONIC MISSILES   Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English. Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.