Exclusive: India Becomes a Hypersonic Power with New Glide Vehicle Missile Technology Unveiling.

According to pictures and videos released on the News IADN X account on February 28, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled its latest advancements in hypersonic technology, showcasing the highly anticipated Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) as part of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s growing capabilities in the realm of hypersonic weapons, a strategic area of military technology that has gained global prominence due to its potential to revolutionize modern warfare.
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India’s Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Mounted on Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), Showcasing DRDO's Cutting-Edge Missile Technology for Long-Range Precision Strikes. (Picture source: News IADN X account)

The development of hypersonic weapons has emerged as one of the most significant trends in global defense technology in recent years. Hypersonic missiles, which are defined as those capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (about 3,800 mph or 6,100 km/h), offer unmatched advantages in terms of speed, precision, and maneuverability. Unlike traditional missiles, which follow predictable ballistic trajectories, hypersonic missiles can maneuver during flight, making them much harder to detect and intercept. This ability to change course mid-flight and travel at incredibly high speeds greatly reduces the time available for adversaries to react, posing a formidable challenge to defense systems worldwide.

In this context, the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), a critical component of the LR-ASHM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) program, is a game-changer. It is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, positioning it as a potent tool in India’s anti-ship warfare strategy. The HGV builds on DRDO's previous achievement with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which successfully flew at Mach 6 in 2020, setting the stage for more advanced applications. The new missile system, integrated with the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), offers India a highly effective platform for conducting long-range, precision strikes, and provides a mobile, flexible solution for missile deployment, further strengthening India’s defense posture.

The global importance of hypersonic missile development cannot be overstated. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia have made significant strides in hypersonic weapons, and their advancements are reshaping the future of warfare. China, in particular, has been a frontrunner in hypersonic missile development, successfully testing its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in recent years. Similarly, Russia has developed its Avangard and Kinzhal systems, both of which operate at hypersonic speeds, with the Kinzhal having already been deployed in combat situations. The United States, while initially lagging behind, has significantly ramped up its efforts, with the U.S. Air Force and Navy both pursuing hypersonic weapons programs.

These global developments are driving a sense of urgency in countries like India, as hypersonic weapons become a critical component of national defense strategies. The ability to deploy such missiles could potentially outpace the capabilities of traditional missile defense systems, including those of the most advanced militaries in the world. This technological edge is viewed as essential for maintaining deterrence and defense superiority, especially in regions where strategic rivalries, such as in the Indo-Pacific, are intensifying.

India’s move to enhance its hypersonic missile capabilities comes in the wake of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. China’s growing naval presence and its rapid development of hypersonic missile systems have prompted India to accelerate its own defense initiatives. The LR-ASHM program, with its hypersonic capabilities, is designed to provide India with a significant naval deterrent, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime disputes with China have become more pronounced. By developing indigenous hypersonic missile technology, India aims to counter potential threats from advanced adversaries and ensure its position in high-speed, precision warfare scenarios.

Furthermore, the development of hypersonic weapons fits within India's broader defense strategy of achieving "Atmanirbhar Bharat" or self-reliance in military technology, a goal that has been central to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the country. With defense budgets steadily increasing, India is focused on reducing dependence on foreign defense systems and investing in its indigenous defense research and development capabilities. The successful unveiling of the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle and TEL is a testament to the growing strength of India’s defense sector and a clear sign of the nation’s ability to develop cutting-edge technologies.

At the same time, India’s increasing collaboration with international defense partners, including the United States, plays a crucial role in accelerating the country’s defense technology development. The integration of global advancements in missile technology, along with homegrown innovations like the LR-ASHM, is helping India establish itself as a key player in the global defense landscape. Such partnerships complement the country’s efforts to strengthen its military and enhance its global defense position.

The unveiling of the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle and Transporter Erector Launcher underscores India’s growing capabilities in hypersonic weapons development, aligning with the global trend of hypersonic missile advancements by countries like China, Russia, and the United States. This technology is set to revolutionize warfare by providing unparalleled speed, precision, and maneuverability. India’s successful development of these systems enhances its deterrence posture, strengthens its defense capabilities, and underscores the strategic importance of technological self-sufficiency. As regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to evolve, the LR-ASHM program marks a new era for India’s military modernization, positioning the country to safeguard its maritime interests better and maintain a competitive edge in the global defense arena.