India testing a missile that flies at eight times the speed of sound, hits targets 1,500 km away

India has reportedly tested a new hypersonic missile that can travel at eight times the speed of sound and strike targets as far as 1,500 kilometres away. The Extended Trajectory Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Project Vishnu, significantly outpaces and outdistances the current BrahMos cruise missile.

The test comes amid growing global tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict and worsening India-Pakistan relations. With Turkey increasingly aligning with Pakistan, India is accelerating its defence modernisation. This includes upgrades across the missile programme, such as BrahMos, Agni-5, and Akash systems.

Hypersonic capabilities mark a strategic leap

The ET-LDHCM is powered by a scramjet engine that uses air-breathing propulsion, relying on atmospheric oxygen rather than a traditional rotating compressor. This allows the missile to reach Mach 8, or roughly 11,000 km/h, compared to BrahMos’ Mach 3 speed of about 3,675 km/h.

Its range also marks a leap from BrahMos’ original 290 km, later extended to around 450 km, to a new capability of 1,500 km. This combination of speed and extended reach enhances India’s strategic strike range.

Designed for stealth, precision, and flexibility

The missile can carry a payload of 1,000 to 2,000 kilograms and is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads. Its low-altitude flight capability helps it avoid radar detection, while its high targeting precision allows it to strike critical infrastructure in difficult terrains.

The ET-LDHCM can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms. Its ability to alter its path mid-flight gives it adaptability in dynamic battlefield conditions.

Built for extreme conditions

The missile is engineered to handle extreme thermal stress, with performance stability maintained at temperatures up to 2,000°C during hypersonic travel. This capability is critical for sustained speed and accuracy.At present, only Russia, the United States, and China have operational hypersonic cruise missile technology. If India’s ET-LDHCM test proves successful, it would join this small group of nations with indigenous hypersonic capabilities.

India’s aim with the ET-LDHCM is to strengthen its deterrence strategy, particularly in relation to Pakistan, while countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.