India achieves milestone with successful test-fires by DRDO of long range hypersonic missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of its long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. (Image credit: Video grab)

Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the armed forces for this 'historic moment' saying, "India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha. This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies." (File photo: PTI)

The missile has been indigenously developed by the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, in collaboration with various DRDO laboratories and industry partners. (Image credit: Video grab)

Designed to carry a range of payloads, it boasts an impressive range of over 1,500 km, making it a versatile asset for all branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Whether for precision strikes or strategic defense, this missile enhances India's operational reach and flexibility. (Image credit: Video grab)

Hypersonic missiles is an advanced missile that soars through the upper atmosphere at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound—around 6,200 km per hour (3,850 mph). While not as fast as intercontinental ballistic missiles, what sets hypersonic glide vehicles apart is their ability to maneuver. (Image credit: Video grab)

No. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds over Mach 5, maneuver in the atmosphere, and have unpredictable flight paths, while ICBMs follow ballistic trajectories, reaching space and are primarily used for nuclear deterrence. (Image credit: Video grab)