A hypersonic missile is a weapon system which flies at least at the speed of Mach 5 i.e. five times the speed of sound and is manoeuvrable. The manoeuvrability of the hypersonic missile is what sets it apart from a ballistic missile as the latter follows a set course or a ballistic trajectory. Thus, unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles do not follow a ballistic trajectory and can be manoeuvred to the intended target.

The two types of hypersonic weapons systems are Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. The HGV are launched from a rocket before gliding to the intended target while the hypersonic cruise missile is powered by air breathing high speed engines or ‘scramjets’ after acquiring their target.

Advantages of hypersonic missiles

• Hypersonic weapons can enable responsive, long range strike options against distant, defended or time critical threats (such as road mobile missiles) when other forces are unavailable, denied access or not preferred.
• hypersonic weapons could challenge detection and defence due to their speed, manoeuvrability and low altitude of flight.
• ground based radars or terrestrial radars cannot detect hypersonic missiles until late in the flight of the weapon. This delayed detection makes it difficult for the responders to the missile attack to assess their options and to attempt to intercept the missile.

Its significance in protecting the interest of our nation

• Hypersonic technological advancements, along with a rising US-China rivalry and a year-long stalemate with Indian soldiers in eastern Ladakh, pose a significant danger to India’s space and surface capabilities.
• To maintain a minimum credible deterrence
• It can provide advanced security as they are tough to be detected
• As interception is tough, it gives a strategic advantage during war
• As the speed is high, it can avoid interception and can have increased efficiency over hitting the target
• The technology that is needed to develop the hypersonic technology can be used for developing other scientific discoveries that can help our country

India and hypersonic technology

• India became the fourth country to have demonstrated this technology after the USA, Russia and China
• India is also developing an indigenous, dual capable (conventional as well as nuclear) hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle programme and has successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet
• In addition, the DRDO established a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility
  

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/what-is-a-hypersonic-missile-features-technology-7831110/

How to structure

1. Give an intro about the hypersonic technology
2. Explain about the hypersonic missile technology and what it can achieve
3. Mention the need for its development in India- its strategic interest- threat from China etc.
4. Mention latest developments we made in this field and suggest further measures
5. Conclude