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Here’s a look at the technology that’s faster than sound and which other countries have it
Hypersonic missile was tested on Saturday. (x)
India successfully tested Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said a long-range hypersonic missile was launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
According to officials, the missile was tested on Saturday.
Singh described the missile test as a historic moment as it puts India among the select group of countries having the capability to develop such critical technologies.
“India has achieved a major milestone by successfully flight testing a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha,” the Defense Minister said at the X.
He said, “This is a historic moment and this important achievement puts our country among the select group of countries with capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies.”
Singh congratulated the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the armed forces and the industry for what he described as a “fantastic” achievement.
Faster than sound, can change trajectory in midair
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- Hypersonic missiles are one of the most advanced technologies in modern warfare.
- It can travel at five to 25 times the speed of sound, or more than 6,200 kilometers per hour.
- Its key characteristic is maneuverability, which allows missiles to change trajectories mid-flight and makes the path unpredictable.
- This, combined with their ability to fly at lower altitudes than conventional ballistic missiles, makes hypersonic missiles extremely difficult to track and intercept.
India has achieved a major feat by successfully flight testing a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This is a historic moment and this important achievement has placed our country among the select countries… pic.twitter.com/jZzdTwIF6w-Rajnath Singh (@RajnathSingh) 17 November 2024
Russia, China, America have similar missiles
Russia was in news in February 2024 when it deployed its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin described it as part of new generation military capabilities along with successful tests of submarines and warships.
China launched a hypersonic glide vehicle in 2021 that circled the globe before missing its target.
United States of America Air-breathing hypersonic weapon tested in 2021.
North Korea also announced the successful test of a solid fuel hypersonic missile.
iranhas also said that it has made a hypersonic ballistic missile.