India has taken a major step forward in defense technology with the successful test of its most advanced hypersonic missile — the Extended Trajectory Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM). Developed under the DRDO’s Project Vishnu, this represents a major increase in India’s strike capability and puts the country in a select group with cutting-edge hypersonic weapons.
What is Project Vishnu?
Project Vishnu is a top-secret program run by India’s Defense Research and Development Organizationtion (DRDO). It focuses on building a full range of hypersonic systems for the military. The plan includes:
- Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs)
- Hypersonic cruise missiles
- Defense systems to stop enemy hypersonic weapons
India is aiming to have glide vehicles ready by 2027-28 and missiles like ET-LDHCM ready by 2030. This project will boost India’s ability to defend itself and reduce its reliance on foreign weapons.
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ET-LDHCM: What Makes It Special
The ET-LDHCM is a new-age missile with powerful features that go far beyond older systems like the BrahMos.
Speed and Range
- Travels at Mach 8 (around 11,000 km/h)
- Can hit targets up to 1,500 km away, which is three times the range of BrahMos
Payload and Targeting
- Carries 1,000 to 2,000 kg of explosives
- Can deliver both nuclear and conventional warheads
- Designed to strike targets with high precision even in tough terrains
Radar Avoidance
- Flies low to avoid radar
- Can change direction during flight to avoid enemy defense systems
Game-Changing Engine
At the heart of the missile is an air-breathing scramjet engine, which uses oxygen from the atmosphere instead of carrying its own. This reduces weight and increases efficiency.
In April 2025, DRDO tested this engine for 1,000 seconds, a major achievement. For comparison, the US’s best test (X-51A) lasted just 240 seconds. India’s engine also handles:
- Extreme temperatures over 2,000°C
- Supersonic airflow of 1.5 km per second
This positions India as a top player in scramjet engine technology.
Multiple Launch Platforms
The missile is designed to work from
- Ground-based launchers
- Navy ships
- Fighter aircraft
This flexibility allows the Indian military to use the missile in many situations, giving it a tactical advantage.
Strong Materials for Extreme Conditions
DRDO and the Department of Science and Technology developed special heat-resistant materials and coatings to protect the missile.
- Survives extreme heat during flight
- Withstands salty sea air and harsh weather
- Can be stored and used in different climates
Other Defense Projects Advancing
India is also working on several other high-tech defense projects alongside Project Vishnu:
- K-6 Hypersonic Missile: A new missile for Indian submarines
- Project-77: Nuclear attack submarines being developed by L&T
- AMCA Stealth Jet: A fifth-generation fighter plane being built in India
- Su-57 Deal: India may build Russian stealth jets locally
- TEJAS Engine Supply: Restarted to boost aircraft production
- AMCA Engine Race: Rolls-Royce and Safran competing to build engines for India
- ₹1.05 Lakh Crore Defense Boost: Cleared for new weapon purchases
Why It Matters
India’s hypersonic missile program shows how fast the country is advancing in defense:
- Improves national security
- Strengthens India’s global position
- Reduces need for foreign weapons
- Helps India become self-reliant in defense tech
- Adds new power to India’s military in the Indo-Pacific region
Final Thoughts
The ET-LDHCM is more than just a missile — it’s a signal that India is ready for the future of warfare. Under Project Vishnu, India is building weapons that are fast, flexible, and powerful. This success reflects years of hard work by Indian scientists and shows how the country is growing stronger, safer, and more self-reliant in defense.