Is India Already On Course To Have Hypersonic Missiles? | Wion Game Plan

In recent times, hypersonic weapon systems have taken the limelight, especially after Russia's utilization of these advanced missiles against Ukraine. It is now widely acknowledged that these weapons have the potential to revolutionize modern warfare. Nations such as China, Russia, and the United States are among the few that possess hypersonic missiles. However, there is one more nation working diligently in the shadows to develop its own indigenously built hypersonic weapon system - India.

India's Pursuit of Hypersonic Missiles

India has been conducting regular trials and tests for hypersonic missiles, showcasing its commitment to this cutting-edge technology. The BrahMos 2 missile will be India's hypersonic version of the existing missile. Trials have indicated that it can reach speeds of almost Mach 8, which is eight times the speed of sound. This remarkable achievement puts India at the forefront of hypersonic missile development.

Furthermore, India has been actively testing its indigenous hypersonic air-breathing scramjet called the HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle). The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted trials in June 2019 and September 2020 off the coast of Odisha. In December 2022, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully conducted a joint Hypersonic Vehicle Drive. And just recently, in January 2023, India tested its HSTDV powered by a scramjet engine from its East Coast.

Signs of India's Hypersonic Capability

While it may be too early to confirm India's possession of fully operational hypersonic missiles, there are compelling reasons to believe that they are indeed on their way to achieving this feat. One significant event that caught the attention of experts was India's night trial of its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, Agni V. Two reasons stood out during this test that hinted at the presence of a hypersonic glide vehicle. Firstly, the low velocity of the missile indicated its quasi-ballistic role, which aligns with the characteristics of a hypersonic glide vehicle. Secondly, the trajectory observed was unusually lower within the Earth's atmosphere, further supporting the possibility of a hypersonic test.

India's Silent Race for Hypersonic Missile Capability

While India's missile advancements have not been widely publicized, it has not gone unnoticed by global powers. According to a report by the U.S Congress, India possesses the most number of testing facilities for hypersonic