India Set to Test Its Most Advanced Hypersonic Missile: ET-LDHCM under Project VISHNUIn a significant leap for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to test the country’s most cutting-edge indigenously developed hypersonic cruise missile, known as the ET-LDHCM (Extended-Range Tactical Long-Distance Hypersonic Cruise Missile).This missile is a key component of “Project VISHNU,” a secretive initiative focused on creating a new wave of fast, precise, and hard-to-detect missile systems designed to tackle regional threats and showcase India’s technological prowess.
Key Specifications of ET-LDHCM Top Speed: Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) Operational Range: 1,500 km Propulsion: Dual-stage solid-fuel booster paired with a scramjet engine Guidance: State-of-the-art AI-driven inertial navigation system (INS) along with satellite support Launch Platforms: Capable of being launched from land, air, and sea-based systems
Why This Matters: A Leap in Strategic DefenseIf all goes well, India will join the ranks of elite nations—including the United States, Russia, and China—that have either tested or deployed hypersonic weapon systems. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles fly at incredibly high speeds and low altitudes, making them tough to detect and nearly impossible for current air defense.