India announced on Sunday that it has conducted a successful test of a domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in its military capabilities. This achievement places India in a select group of nations that possess advanced hypersonic technology.
The global landscape for hypersonic weapons is evolving, with countries like India, China, Russia, and the United States actively pursuing the development of advanced long-range missiles. The missile tested by India, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and industry partners, is designed to carry payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km (930 miles) for the country's armed forces.
According to a government statement, the test flight data confirmed the successful execution of terminal maneuvers and precise impact, demonstrating a high level of accuracy. The test-firing of the hypersonic missile took place from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island located off the eastern coast of Odisha state on Saturday.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a 'historic achievement,' emphasizing that it positions India among a small group of nations equipped with critical and advanced hypersonic technologies.
