India hypersonic vishnu missile (Social Media)
International News: At a time when multiple regions across the globe are engulfed in conflict, India has stunned adversaries like China and Pakistan by unveiling its cutting-edge hypersonic missile technology. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this missile is capable of flying at speeds nearly eight times the speed of sound, establishing it as a powerful strategic weapon. Originating from what is internally known as ‘Project Vishnu’, it has come to be popularly referred to as the ‘Vishnu Missile’.
Though the missile is yet to be fully inducted into the armed forces, early trial-level success has generated significant excitement among Indian scientists and defense experts. Officially named ET-LDHCM (Extended Trajectory Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile), this weapon system poses a serious threat to enemies within minutes of launch, causing panic in both Islamabad and Beijing.
The ET-LDHCM is powered by a scramjet engine, which, unlike traditional rocket engines, uses atmospheric oxygen. This innovation allows for high speeds and extended range without the burden of onboard oxidizers. Its low-altitude flight capability (approximately 200 feet) helps it evade radar detection, providing a stealth advantage. During high-speed flight, the missile's surface temperature can soar to 2,000 degrees Celsius. To withstand such extreme conditions, it is constructed using specialized heat-resistant materials. As of now, only Russia, the United States, and China possess such advanced hypersonic capabilities—India is now poised to join this exclusive club.
The induction of ET-LDHCM marks a major leap in India’s missile capabilities, enhancing its strategic reach and deterrence power. However, defense analysts emphasize the next crucial step: acquiring a long-range strategic bomber. At present, India does not operate such a platform, nor has any procurement deal been finalized. But growing regional threats underscore an urgent need for a multi-role heavy bomber.
Strategic bombers can operate at altitudes beyond air defense system coverage, launching devastating payloads with impunity. These bombers can carry highly advanced long-range missiles, which no country in the subcontinent can currently counter. With simultaneous threats from China and Pakistan, a heavy bomber would complete India's strategic triad.
In the recent Iran-Israel conflict, the U.S. deployed its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, capable of neutralizing nuclear sites under any weather or operational condition. These aircraft are designed to evade radar detection and can deliver thousands of kilograms of ordnance. Russia’s answer to the B-2 is the TU-160 ‘Blackjack’, considered the fastest and heaviest supersonic strategic bomber in the world. With a range of 12,300 km and a payload capacity of 40 tons, it cruises at 2,220 km/h, making it a formidable deterrent.
India’s entry into hypersonic missile technology represents a pivotal advancement toward achieving strategic autonomy and strengthening national defense. Through ‘Project Vishnu’, the country is not only bolstering its borders but also positioning itself as a major global defense player.. The next milestone? Developing or acquiring an indigenous strategic bomber. When the speed of hypersonic missiles and the range of future bombers are combined, India’s military power will evolve into a force that is both unpredictable and unstoppable, capable of dominating any theater of war.
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