hypersonic missiles

DRDO is ready for the Agni-VI missile program pending government approval, while also advancing two hypersonic weapons programs: a glide missile and a cruise missile. The organization is also considering a conventional missile force structure and nearing completion of the Pralay missile.

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, is a long-range missile designed to travel more than 5,000 km. Unlike cruise missiles, which fly through the atmosphere using engines throughout their journey, ballistic missiles spend much of their flight outside the atmosphere, which means the missile actually leaves Earth’s air atmosphere and travels through space for part of its journey.

India has successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off the Odisha coast, reaching a remarkable 1,500 km range. Developed by DRDO, this advanced weapon, capable of speeds up to Mach 10, significantly boosts India's naval defense capabilities. The test validated its precision and ability to engage critical targets, marking a major stride in indigenous defense innovation and self-reliance.

India has successfully tested its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM), boasting a strike range exceeding 1,500 km and speeds of Mach 10. This advanced weapon, capable of evading modern defenses and engaging large targets, significantly enhances India's maritime capabilities. The successful flight test marks a major stride in indigenous defense innovation, bolstering national security and self-reliance.

Russia has successfully tested its new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by NATO. President Putin hailed it as the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, capable of carrying multiple warheads and evading missile defenses.

The Pentagon is forging new partnerships with companies like Anduril and Leidos to rapidly boost US strike capabilities. The Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program aims to procure over 10,000 affordable cruise missiles by 2027, while a separate deal with Castelion will scale low-cost hypersonic solutions. This initiative emphasizes speed, innovation, and private sector investment to rebuild America's military might.

Russia successfully test-fired its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by the West, a powerful weapon Putin claims will enter service by year-end. This modernization of nuclear forces comes amid claims the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end.

India's recent MIRV-equipped Agni missile test propels its strategic program into global focus. This advancement, a culmination of decades of indigenous development, significantly bolsters India's nuclear deterrence, ensuring survivability and credible retaliation against evolving threats. The Agni series now forms a crucial pillar of India's nuclear triad, reflecting its growing technological prowess and geopolitical ambitions.

India has successfully test-fired the 5,000 km-range, nuclear-capable Agni-5 missile with an MIRV system, joining an elite group of nations including the US, Russia, and China

India's Navy is set for a significant boost with DRDO's new air-independent propulsion system for submarines, dramatically extending submerged endurance. A land-based prototype was successfully tested, and the full system is nearing completion for installation on the 14th submarine. This development, along with advanced missile and weapon systems, enhances national defense capabilities.

India's indigenous fighter jet production is gaining momentum with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) procurement process advancing. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh revealed plans for sixth-generation fighter collaborations and a multi-layered missile force. Diversifying production is seen as strategically beneficial, with ambitious defence export targets set to be met comfortably.

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