What makes India’s hypersonic missile a milestone in defense technology?

India has taken a giant leap in defense technology! On November 16, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This missile, capable of carrying diverse payloads over a range exceeding 1,500 km, showcases India’s prowess in cutting-edge defense innovation.

Just days earlier, DRDO achieved another milestone with the maiden test flight of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), designed for launch from mobile and ship-based platforms.

In this episode, we break down the significance of hypersonic missiles with insights from former DRDO scientist Ravi Gupta, who highlights the technological mastery required for these advanced weapons. With nations like the U.S., Russia, and China in the hypersonic arms race, India’s self-reliant *Atmanirbhar Bharat* initiative proves to be a critical move for future preparedness. We also discuss recent Indian defense advancements, including the testing of the Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) and the SMART torpedo delivery system.