Hypersonic cruise missile
17.07.2025
Hypersonic cruise missile
Context
India recently tested its first hypersonic cruise missile, ETLD HCM, marking a major leap in homegrown defense technology and strategic deterrence capabilities.
About the News :
- India tested the ETLD HCM, a hypersonic missile under Project Vishnu, developed by DRDO.
- The test confirms India’s entry into the elite hypersonic missile group (with US, China, Russia).
- ETLD HCM uses a scramjet engine, achieving Mach 8 speed with 1,500 km range.
- PIB confirmed the test; it was also reported by Indian Express and Economic Times.
Key Characteristics of Test:
- Speed: Achieves Mach 8 (eight times the speed of sound), ensuring high strike velocity.
- Engine: Uses scramjet, which draws oxygen from air, improving speed and fuel efficiency.
- Range: Covers up to 1,500 km, suitable for both tactical and strategic operations.
- Payload: Carries nuclear or conventional warheads, up to 2,000 kg.
- Launch Platforms: Can be launched from land, air, or sea, enhancing deployment flexibility.
- Stealth: Very hard to intercept by even advanced air defense systems like S-500.
Difference between Cruise and Ballistic Missile
|
Point of Difference |
Cruise Missiles |
Ballistic Missiles |
|
1. Flight Path |
Flies at low altitude, terrain-hugging, pre-programmed route |
Follows a high, parabolic arc; exits and reenters the atmosphere |
|
Examples |
BrahMos, Tomahawk, Nirbhay |
Agni V, Prithvi-II, Trident II D5 |
|
2. Guidance |
Fully guided throughout flight using GPS, terrain mapping, etc. |
Guided only during boost phase; unguided during midcourse and terminal phases |
|
Examples |
JASSM, Storm Shadow/SCALP |
Minuteman III, DF-26, Iskander-M |
|
3. Speed |
Subsonic or supersonic (e.g., BrahMos is supersonic) |
Supersonic to hypersonic (e.g., ICBMs reach over 20,000 km/h) |
|
Examples |
Kalibr, AGM-86 ALCM |
Hwasong-15, Agni III |
|
4. Range |
Medium to long-range, typically 500–2,500 km |
Wide range: from <1,000 km (SRBM) to >5,500 km (ICBM) |
|
Examples |
Nirbhay (~1,000 km) |
Agni V (>5,000 km), DF-5 (ICBM) |
|
5. Detectability |
Difficult to detect due to low altitude and small radar cross-section |
Easily detected during boost due to heat and altitude |
|
Examples |
BrahMos avoids radar detection |
Agni II visible on radar during launch |
|
6. Tactical Use |
Used for precise strikes on military or strategic targets |
Used for strategic, long-range attacks (often nuclear delivery) |
|
Examples |
SCALP used for pinpoint strikes |
Trident II for nuclear deterrence |
Challenges
- High-cost R&D: Hypersonic systems need advanced infrastructure, increasing cost. E.g., Scramjet test beds are rare.
- Thermal stress: Sustaining 2,000°C heat is difficult. E.g., Needs special coatings and materials.
- Guidance complexity: Requires precise navigation at high speed. E.g., Small errors cause large deviation.
- Production delay: Large-scale rollout may take years. E.g., Not operational before 2030.
Way Forward
- Strengthen R&D: Increase funding for indigenous hypersonic tech. E.g., Expand DRDO’s Aeronautics facilities.
- International collaboration: Learn from friendly nations' expertise. E.g., Joint research with France or Israel.
- Private sector role: Involve Indian industries for faster production. E.g., Like L&T in missile production.
- Test integration: Conduct field tests with tri-forces. E.g., From submarines, jets, and mobile platforms.
Conclusion
The ETLD HCM positions India as a global hypersonic power, boosting national security and deterrence. With continued investment, it can transform India’s strategic and technological defense capabilities.