India tests second long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off Odisha coast
India tests second long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off Odisha coast
India's second LR-AShM test hits Mach 10 with 1,500+ km range off Odisha coast, signaling a leap in indigenous defence and self-reliance.
New Delhi: India has successfully conducted the second flight test of its DRDO-developed long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast. The trial demonstrated a strike range above 1,500 km and speeds reaching Mach 10, signaling a major boost to India's maritime defense and self-reliance.
The test centered on a two-stage hypersonic glide vehicle, designed to deliver a payload and outrun modern ship-based defenses. With a glide speed that averages around Mach 5 during the cruise phase and the ability to execute low-altitude trajectories, the weapon is described as a potential 'carrier-killer'.
Officials have said LR-AShM can carry various payloads for ranges beyond 1,500 km and relies on indigenous sensors for precise terminal targeting. The system first flew in November 2024, and its presence was highlighted during the Republic Day parade earlier this year.
The development aligns with a broader push for Make in India and defense self-reliance, raising India's defensive reach while likely prompting regional rivals to reassess their own capabilities.
