Definition

Fast, low-flying, and highly maneuverable weapons designed to evade traditional missile defense systems

Trajectory

Unlike ballistic missiles, they do not follow a predetermined, arched trajectory and can maneuver en route to their destination

Speed

Hypersonic: Faster than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound, approximately 6,100 km/h);

Supersonic: Between Mach 1 and Mach 5 (approximately 1,220 to 6,100 km/h)

Ionization

At hypersonic speeds, air molecules around the vehicle change, leading to ionization, which subjects the missile to tremendous stresses

Types of Hypersonic Weapons

Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): Launched from a rocket before gliding to the target

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM): Powered by scramjet engines after acquiring the target

Advantages

Responsive Strike: Effective against distant, defended, or time-sensitive threats when other forces are unavailable

Conventional Use: Rely on kinetic energy, effective against unhardened targets or underground facilities

Detection Challenges: Fly at lower altitudes than ballistic missiles, complicating tracking by surface-based sensors

Engineering Challenges

Heat and Air Resistance: Extreme speeds generate significant heat due to friction

Precision Maneuverability: Demands exceptional precision

Communication Difficulties: Maintaining connectivity during flight

High Costs: Development costs are higher compared to ballistic missiles

Global Leaders in Hypersonic Tech

Russia and China: Leading in development, with Russia deploying systems like Kinzhal in Ukraine

United States: Advancing with programs like the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), with a $756 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2024

Other Nations Pursuing Hypersonic Tech

France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, Israel

India's Journey in Hypersonic Technology

Initial Challenges: Failed 2019 test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)

Milestone: Success in 2020 with a scramjet-powered vehicle achieving Mach 6 for 22 to 23 seconds

Future Plans: Trials for longer duration and higher reliability before deployment

Genesis

Builds upon DRDO’s Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program (It is intended to attain autonomous scramjet flight for 20 seconds, using a solid rocket launch booster).

Range

Over 1500 km

Speed

Mach 6 (Six times the speed of sound)

Mid-Flight Maneuverability

Combines the speed of a ballistic missile with the agility of mid-flight movements like a cruise missile to bypass defenses

Advanced Tracking

Utilizes advanced multi-domain monitoring systems for precise targeting

Multi-Payload Capability

Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads

Applications

Usable across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The naval version (under development) is designed to target and destroy enemy warships at long distances

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the significance of India’s development of hypersonic missile technology in enhancing its defense capabilities. Highlight the challenges associated with its development and the implications for regional and global security. (250 words)