On November 17, 2024, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This marks a major milestone in India’s defence capabilities, positioning the country among select nations with advanced hypersonic missile technologies.

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• DRDO successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile on Nov 17, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
• The missile has a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers and can carry various payloads.
• Hypersonic missiles are capable of speeds over Mach 5, five times the speed of sound.
• They differ from ballistic missiles by being able to maneuver during flight, evading conventional defence systems.
• The missile was developed indigenously by DRDO’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, with industry collaborations.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success as a historic moment, enhancing India’s military technologies.
• Hypersonic missiles are harder to detect and intercept due to their ability to change course mid-flight.
• The development is part of the global race for advanced military technology, positioning India among nations with cutting-edge defences.
• Hypersonic weapons are critical for long-range strikes against time-sensitive or defended targets, offering strategic advantages.
• This breakthrough is seen as a key step in India’s defence modernization and deterrence capabilities.