A GIANT LEAP
Geopolitics|October 2020
AMARTYA SINHA explains why hypersonic cruise missiles are a massive force multiplier
AMARTYA SINHA
A GIANT LEAP

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created history on September 7, 2020 when it successfully test-launched the much-awaited HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle). The technology is the basic prototype of India’s next-generation cruise missiles and hypersonic aircrafts. “The DRDO has today successfully flight-tested the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle using the indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system. With this success, all critical technologies are now established to progress to the next phase,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a statement soon after the execution of the flight.

“DRDO with this mission, has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for next-generation hypersonic vehicles in partnership with industry,” an official statement from DRDO endorsed and further validated the test-firing results. The historic flight witnessed India joining the elite league of three other global superpowers (United States of America, Russia and China) which have successfully demonstrated a working scramjet engine-powered hypersonic cruise missile prototype.

A deadly capability in the making

HSTDV will be one of the most devastating tactical-level hypersonic cruise missiles in India’s arsenal when it is commissioned into service with the Indian Armed Forces in the next five years. Powered by an indigenously developed scramjet engine and capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 12 (14,817 kms an hour), it can evade any kind of current generation antiaircraft and anti-missile systems in the world due to its high-hypersonic terminal velocity.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2020-Ausgabe von Geopolitics.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2020-Ausgabe von Geopolitics.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS GEOPOLITICSAlle anzeigen
THE NEW WAVE OF MARINE LANDING CRAFT.
Geopolitics

THE NEW WAVE OF MARINE LANDING CRAFT.

BAE Systems' new Littoral Strike Craft combines advanced stealth, comfort, and modularity to redefine modern amphibious mission capabilities.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
PROVEN AIP FOR S80 SUBMARINES
Geopolitics

PROVEN AIP FOR S80 SUBMARINES

The BEST AIP system is capable of operating at any depth and in all operational conditions, allowing it to adapt to any Navy mission and making it the most advanced AIP system on the market.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AI SECURE, SCALABLE, AND INNOVATIVE
Geopolitics

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AI SECURE, SCALABLE, AND INNOVATIVE

Tardid leverages modular AI designs, robust cybersecurity, and adaptability to deliver secure and scalable solutions, integrating emerging technologies and refining strategies through realworld deployments, shares AASTHA VERMA, Chief Operating Officer, Tardid Technologies, with Geopolitics

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 2024
TOT-AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUBMARINE MANUFACTURING
Geopolitics

TOT-AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUBMARINE MANUFACTURING

India's transition from offset strategies to fostering self-reliance through technology transfer (TOT) and local assembly highlights the significance of global collaborations like thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in shaping a robust, indigenised defence ecosystem, a perspective shared by KHALIL RAHMAN, CEO, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems India.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 2024
ENHANCING INDIAN NAVAL AVIATION
Geopolitics

ENHANCING INDIAN NAVAL AVIATION

JYOTI SINGH reports how a powerful Indian naval air arm will prove to be the biggest seabased conventional level deterrence, both for the tactical and strategic battlefields

time-read
10 Minuten  |
December 2024
PROJECT-751-30 YEARS ON
Geopolitics

PROJECT-751-30 YEARS ON

India's ambitious Project-751, aimed at procuring six advanced submarines, remains stalled nearly three decades after its inception.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
December 2024
WINGS OVER THE OCEAN
Geopolitics

WINGS OVER THE OCEAN

Indian Naval Aviation is dramatically upgrading its combat potency with its latest inductions, writes Atul Chandra

time-read
7 Minuten  |
December 2024
HOW INDIA IS RESHAPING REGIONAL DETERRENCE, MARITIME DOMINANCE
Geopolitics

HOW INDIA IS RESHAPING REGIONAL DETERRENCE, MARITIME DOMINANCE

In the theatre of modern geopolitics, control over the seas is synonymous with strategic dominance. With its vast coastline and critical position in the Indo-Pacific, India has always recognised the importance of maritime strength, outlines GIRISH LINGANNA

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 2024
BUILDERS NAVY
Geopolitics

BUILDERS NAVY

The Indian Navy's modernisation efforts are picking up steam, with domestic shipyards running at full capacity, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR

time-read
8 Minuten  |
December 2024
THE NAVY'S NEED FOR SUBMARINES
Geopolitics

THE NAVY'S NEED FOR SUBMARINES

While aircraft carriers have their place, submarines provide India with a more flexible, cost-effective, and survivable option for projecting power and maintaining deterrence in a complex and evolving strategic environment, argues AMIT GUPTA

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
December 2024