Recently, India conducted the test of a Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), achieving hypersonic speed. With a range exceeding 1500 kilometers, the internet is abuzz about whether it is truly hypersonic. Opinions are divided with some in favor, while others question the missile's hypersonic nature.
This discussion delves into the technical nuances appreciated by missile scholars. For the general public, what matters is its range, speed, and destructive capability. The real excitement awaits next year when India will test the Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (LDHCM), developed under Project Vishnu.
Also Read: India Joins the World's Top 10 Hypersonic Missiles, Yet China Holds the Most Powerful Missile
Source: aajtak
Officially, there's limited information about this missile, project, or technology. However, exploring defense-focused Twitter handles and websites reveals insights into India’s secret missile endeavor. The possibility is that the LDHCM’s initial phase might resemble the LRAShM.
Understanding Project Vishnu: Developing a Formidable Missile
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has initiated Project Vishnu to develop a hypersonic cruise missile, a project surrounded by mystery. Its aim is to create the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which has already undergone testing.
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The Latest Hypersonic Weapon Test
In 2020, DRDO successfully tested the hypersonic-speed flight of an unmanned scramjet. This HSTDV test lasted less than 20 seconds, achieving a speed of 7500 km/hr. On January 27th last year, HSTDV was tested off the coast of Odisha. However, results of the test were not publicly disclosed.
Source: aajtak
Implications for Pakistan and China
When HSTDV clocked 7500 km/hr for 20 seconds, it became evident that the weapon could strike precisely anywhere in Pakistan and China in mere seconds. The speed could be modulated in the future, and whether armed with conventional or nuclear warheads, the results would be devastating.
The Need for High-Speed Weapons
Why the need for hypersonic missiles or aircraft? The answer lies with the U.S. Over recent years, America has been vigorously developing hypersonic missiles and aircraft, but Russia has surpassed them, with an arsenal of hypersonic missiles. China, too, possesses such weaponry. Thus, to maintain balance and peace, it is essential for India to develop hypersonic weapons.
