The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is soon to test the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), part of Project Vishnu. This advanced hypersonic technology is considered India's most sophisticated and poses a significant threat to adversaries. Let's explore what ET-LDHCM is, its unique features, and why it is crucial for India.
What is ET-LDHCM?
ET-LDHCM, or Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile, can travel more than five times the speed of sound (over Mach 5). Based on the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) successfully tested in 2020.
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Test Date: The first successful test was conducted off the coast of Odisha in November 2024, with the next one expected soon.
Location: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
Objective: To rapidly and accurately target enemy bases from long distances.
ET-LDHCM Features
The ET-LDHCM missile ranks among the world's most sophisticated due to its speed, range, and technology. Key characteristics include...
Source: aajtak
Incredible Speed:
Capable of flying at speeds beyond Mach 8 (approximately 11,000 km/hr), equating to over 3 km in a second, evading enemy radar detection due to its blistering pace.
Extended Range:
With a combat range exceeding 1,500 km, it can target all of Pakistan and major parts of China, launching from air, land, or sea.
Scramjet Engine:
Equipped with a scramjet engine that uses atmospheric oxygen for fuel combustion, enabling sustained hypersonic flight. DRDO successfully conducted a 1,000-second scramjet engine ground test in 2025.
Radar Evasion:
Flies at low altitudes, making tracking or interception challenging. Features oxidation-resistant coating and heat-resistant materials, withstanding temperatures up to 2,000°C.
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Versatile Payload:
Can carry both nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, handling payloads between 1,000-2,000 kilograms.
Indigenous Technology:
Developed by DRDO and industry partners at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, it is a testament to the Make in India initiative.
The Role of ET-LDHCM
ET-LDHCM is a versatile missile, ideal for various missions. Its primary roles include destroying enemy bases. Capable of pinpoint targeting of bunkers, radar stations, ships, and military installations. Its speed and radar evasion make it perfect for anti-ship and land-attack missions.
Strategic Edge:
Provides India with a strategic advantage over neighbors like China and Pakistan, capable of penetrating enemy air defense systems.
Disaster Management Aid:
The missile's technology may benefit future satellite launches and weather monitoring, boosting India's space and defense capabilities akin to the Gaganyaan mission.
Source: aajtak
Why ET-LDHCM is Significant
ET-LDHCM is important to India for several reasons...
Global Power:
Positions India alongside Russia, China, and the USA, possessing hypersonic technology, making India the fifth nation with such capability.
Defense Self-Reliance:
Entirely indigenous, symbolizing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, reducing dependence on foreign arms.
Challenge to Neighbors:
Its 1,500 km range and 11,000 km/hr speed present a substantial threat to China and Pakistan, capable of targeting cities like Karachi or Beijing in minutes.
Economic and Technical Gains:
The missile's development will generate thousands of jobs. Technologies like scramjet and hypersonic wind tunnels may also benefit civilian and space sectors in the future.
Strategic Importance:
Amid India-China border tension and Pakistani missile testing in the Arabian Sea, ET-LDHCM showcases India's strength. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh termed it a historic achievement.
Past Tests and Future Prospects
2020: DRDO successfully tested HSTDV, achieving a speed of 7,500 km/hr.
January 27, 2024: Conducted the second HSTDV test off Odisha coast, results remain confidential.
November 16, 2024: Conducted the first flight test of ET-LDHCM from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
2025: DRDO prepares for the next test to enhance the missile's range and precision.
Future: DRDO is working on other hypersonic missiles like BrahMos-2, with a 600 km range and speeds of 6,000-8,000 km/hr.
