What’s in the news?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
• The hypersonic missile was designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 km, making it a critical addition to India’s defence arsenal.
• This missile was indigenously developed by the laboratories of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, along with various other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
• The test has put India in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies. 

What Are Hypersonic Missiles?

• Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons capable of speeds greater than Mach 5—five times the speed of sound.
• These weapons are distinct from traditional ballistic missiles due to their ability to maneuver during flight.
• Two primary types of hypersonic weapons include:
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched on rockets and glide to their targets, using aerodynamic lift for maneuverability.
  • Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing scramjet engines, these missiles sustain hypersonic speeds throughout their flight.

• The key advantage of hypersonic missiles lies in their ability to evade conventional missile defence systems. 
• Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed trajectory, hypersonic missiles can alter their course, making them significantly harder to detect and intercept. 
• Globally, countries like the US, Russia, and China are leading in hypersonic missile development. By mastering hypersonic technology, India has not only enhanced its strategic deterrence capabilities but also strengthened its position in the global defence landscape. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/why-india-is-developing-hypersonic-missiles-and-how-it-may-prove-to-be-a-game-changer-for-defence-forces/articleshow/115406183.cms?from=mdr