India’s LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat said, highlighting progress in next-generation strike systems during ANI’s National Security Summit 2.0. The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile is being developed for the Indian Navy’s coastal defence needs. It is a hypersonic glide weapon capable of hitting both stationary and moving targets and can carry multiple types of payloads. It uses indigenous avionics and high-precision sensors.

The missile follows a quasi-ballistic path and can reach speeds up to Mach 10, with an average cruising speed of around Mach 5 during its glide phase. Its low-altitude, high-speed, and highly manoeuvrable flight makes it difficult for enemy radar systems to track. It uses a two-stage solid fuel booster, after which it separates and transitions into an unpowered glide phase to hit targets with terminal guidance.

Kamat said India is developing both hypersonic glide and hypersonic cruise missiles, with the glide version being more advanced. He explained that cruise missiles rely on scramjet engines for powered flight, while glide missiles are boosted first and then glide unpowered toward targets. He also indicated that trials for the glide variant are expected soon.

He added that India’s future conventional missile force will likely include ballistic and cruise missiles across multiple ranges, along with hypersonic systems, to enable flexible strike options. Short-range systems like Pralay are close to induction, while some strategic missiles may be adapted for tactical roles.

India has made significant progress in hypersonic technology in recent years, including successful tests of long-range hypersonic missiles, scramjet propulsion systems, and ground-based engine trials. These developments place India among a small group of nations advancing in hypersonic weapon capabilities.