Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) long-range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM) is set to make its first public appearance at the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26. The missile, which has a range of 1,500 km, is expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime defence capabilities, especially in the Indian Ocean region.
According to DRDO Project Director A Prasad Goud, the organisation is currently developing both hypersonic glide missile and hypersonic cruise missile technologies. The LRAShM, capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5, marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence ecosystem. Designed to strike high-value naval targets at extended ranges, the missile’s combination of extreme speed, manoeuvrability and precision is intended to make interception by enemy air defence systems highly difficult.
Defence officials have indicated that the system is aimed at enhancing India’s maritime deterrence, particularly in contested sea lanes and high-threat environments. Sources familiar with the programme said the missile is part of India’s broader effort to develop next-generation weapon systems capable of operating across domains and providing credible deterrence against technologically advanced adversaries.
Its induction is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s ability to counter hostile surface combatants, including aircraft carriers and large warships, from stand-off distances. The Republic Day parade has long served as a stage for India to showcase its indigenous defence achievements, and this year’s display is being viewed as particularly significant. The public debut of a hypersonic weapon places India among a select group of nations with advanced strike capabilities.
DRDO’s success in hypersonic technology is the result of years of research, testing and validation in key areas such as high-speed propulsion, advanced materials, guidance systems and thermal management.
