Nuclear-armed power India announced on Sunday, November 17, that it had tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, a “important step”received by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
The country makes public its possession of this ultra-fast high-tech weapon, days after its Chinese rival presented its latest advances in military aviation.
Hypersonic missiles fly lower and are harder to detect than ballistic missiles. They can reach targets faster and can be ordered to change targets mid-flight. The United States, Russia, China and North Korea have tested hypersonic missiles and several other countries are developing the technology.
New Delhi’s announcement comes just days after India’s neighbor and rival China showcased its growing air capabilities at an air show, showcasing the J-stealth 35A fighter jet and attack drones.
Purchase of Russian military equipment.
The Indian missile took off on Saturday from Abdul Kalam Island, off the east coast. Images released by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) showed a thin missile exploding in the night sky, followed by a wave of flames.
“This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has placed our country among the select group of nations that have critical and advanced military technologies”the Minister of Defense stressed.
New Delhi has strengthened its defense cooperation with Western countries in recent years, particularly within the Quad, an alliance that includes the United States, Japan and Australia.
India is also purchasing Russian military equipment, including S-400 missile defense systems, despite the threat of US sanctions over the multibillion-dollar deal between the two countries.
