Exclusive: India Becomes a Hypersonic Power with New Glide Vehicle Missile Technology Unveiling.
The development of hypersonic weapons has emerged as one of the most significant trends in global defense technology in recent years. Hypersonic missiles, which are defined as those capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (about 3,800 mph or 6,100 km/h), offer unmatched advantages in terms of speed, precision, and maneuverability. Unlike traditional missiles, which follow predictable ballistic trajectories, hypersonic missiles can maneuver during flight, making them much harder to detect and intercept. This ability to change course mid-flight and travel at incredibly high speeds greatly reduces the time available for adversaries to react, posing a formidable challenge to defense systems worldwide.
In this context, the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), a critical component of the LR-ASHM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) program, is a game-changer. It is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, positioning it as a potent tool in India’s anti-ship warfare strategy. The HGV builds on DRDO's previous achievement with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which successfully flew at Mach 6 in 2020, setting the stage for more advanced applications. The new missile system, integrated with the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), offers India a highly effective platform for conducting long-range, precision strikes, and provides a mobile, flexible solution for missile deployment, further strengthening India’s defense posture.