According to pictures and videos released on the News IADN X account on February 28, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled its latest advancements in hypersonic technology, showcasing the highly anticipated Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) as part of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s growing capabilities in the realm of hypersonic weapons, a strategic area of military technology that has gained global prominence due to its potential to revolutionize modern warfare.
India’s Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Mounted on Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), Showcasing DRDO’s Cutting-Edge Missile Technology for Long-Range Precision Strikes.
The development of hypersonic weapons has emerged as one of the most significant trends in global defense technology in recent years. Hypersonic missiles, which are defined as those capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (about 3,800 mph or 6,100 km/h), offer unmatched advantages in terms of speed, precision, and maneuverability. Unlike traditional missiles, which follow predictable ballistic trajectories, hypersonic missiles can maneuver during flight, making them much harder to detect and intercept. This ability to change course mid-flight and travel at incredibly high speeds greatly reduces the time available for adversaries to react, posing a formidable challenge to defense systems worldwide.
In this context, the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), a critical component of the LR-ASHM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) program, is a game-changer. It is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, positioning it as a potent tool in India’s anti-ship warfare strategy. The HGV builds on DRDO’s previous achievement with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which successfully flew at Mach 6 in 2020, setting the stage for more advanced applications. The new missile system, integrated with the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), offers India a highly effective platform for conducting long-range, precision strikes, and provides a mobile, flexible solution for missile deployment, further strengthening India’s defense posture.
The global importance of hypersonic missile development cannot be overstated. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia have made significant strides in hypersonic weapons, and their advancements are reshaping the future of warfare. China, in particular, has been a frontrunner in hypersonic missile development, successfully testing its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in recent years. Similarly, Russia has developed its Avangard and Kinzhal systems, both of which operate at hypersonic speeds, with the Kinzhal having already been deployed in combat situations. The United States, while initially lagging behind, has significantly ramped up its efforts, with the U.S. Air Force and Navy both pursuing hypersonic weapons programs.