Latest Development
- India is preparing to test the Extended Trajectory–Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET‑LDHCM).
- Developed by DRDO under Project Vishnu, this marks a major advancement in India’s hypersonic strike capability.
- It will be India’s first true hypersonic cruise missile, with speeds over Mach 5 (5x the speed of sound).
What is ET-LDHCM?
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Hypersonic cruise missile |
| Developer | DRDO under Project Vishnu |
| Launch Platforms | Land, Sea, and Air capable |
| Speed | Hypersonic (> Mach 5) |
| Trajectory | Long-range, maneuverable with extended glide phase |
| Guidance | Likely to include inertial + satellite navigation + AI |
| Warhead Capability | Both conventional and strategic (future potential) |
| Range Estimate | Expected between 1,000–2,000 km (official data awaited) |
Key Features & Strategic Importance
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV): Allows rapid re-entry and maneuvering, evading missile defence systems.
- Tri-service launch capability: Enhances strategic flexibility and second-strike readiness.
- Long-duration flight: Enables loitering and target switching mid-flight — useful in time-critical warfare.
- Stealth & Speed: Extremely hard to intercept due to plasma stealth and high terminal speed.
- Indigenous Breakthrough: Critical leap in Make in India defence manufacturing and tech autonomy.
Global Context
- Puts India in elite company with USA, Russia, China, who have advanced hypersonic systems.
- Counters threats like China’s DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle or Russia’s Avangard.
- Reflects India’s strategy to match A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
Link with DRDO Hypersonic Projects
- Related to earlier DRDO test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
- ET-LDHCM builds upon that base — transitioning from technology demonstration to operational weapon system.
GS Paper Linkages
| GS Paper | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS Paper III | Defence Technology, Indigenisation of Defence Sector, Strategic Capabilities |
| GS Paper II | International Security, Threat Perception from Neighbours |
| Essay / GS IV | Tech & Ethics in Warfare, Responsible Deterrence |
Implications for UPSC Mains
- Boosts India’s strategic deterrence and non-nuclear counterforce options.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
- Enhances India’s role in Quad and Indo-Pacific regional security frameworks.
Sample Mains Question
“Discuss the strategic implications of India’s hypersonic missile capability in the context of regional security and defence indigenisation.” (10/15 marks)