Hypersonic Strategy Digest

India HSTDV/DRDO HGV advancing faster than scramjet; Mach5+ LRAShM 1500km Odisha perfect test; Brahmos indigenous ramjet

India HSTDV/DRDO HGV advancing faster than scramjet; Mach5+ LRAShM 1500km Odisha perfect test; Brahmos indigenous ramjet

Key Questions

What was the recent DRDO hypersonic test off Odisha?

DRDO conducted a perfect accuracy Mach5+ LRAShM HGV anti-ship test over 1500km. It achieved Mach10 boost/glide with maneuvers against Pakistan/China HQ-9 defenses.

What speeds does India's LRAShM achieve?

LRAShM reaches Mach10 peak in initial phase and maintains Mach5 average hypersonic speed. It's highly maneuverable with plasma shield challenges.

How does India's HGV progress compare to scramjet?

DRDO's HGV/Dhvani is advancing faster than air-breathing cruise missiles. Imminent Mach10+ trials are planned.

What new technology aids Mach5+ tracking?

India developed AI radar for tracking Mach5+ plasma sheaths. This enhances detection against hypersonic defenses.

What is the strategic context of LRAShM?

LRAShM targets anti-ship roles against China/Pakistan threats. Odisha test demonstrated precision over long range.

When are further LRAShM trials expected?

Trials for India's hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM are expected soon, as per DRDO announcements.

How indigenous is India's missile tech?

India targets 95% indigenous content in BRAHMOS, with DRDO advancing liquid-fuel ramjet engines under testing.

Why was India's Mach10 LR-ASHM test hidden?

The test details were not widely shown, even on Google, possibly for strategic reasons amid hypersonic deterrence debates with Pakistan.

DRDO Odisha Mach5+ LRAShM HGV 1500km perfect accuracy anti-ship test (Mach10 boost/glide, maneuvers) vs Pakistan/China HQ-9 defenses (plasma shield); imminent Mach10+ trials (Mach10 peak/Mach5 avg); HGV/Dhvani progressing quicker than air-breathing cruise. New AI radar for Mach5+ plasma tracking; Brahmos 95% indigenous liquid ramjet testing.

Sources (8)
Updated May 6, 2026