On November 17, 2024, Indian authorities announced the successful testing of the country's first medium-range hypersonic missile. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described the tests as a "significant milestone" and a "historic moment" for India.
The tests were conducted on the uninhabited Abdul Kalam Island, located in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha. Singh stated that this achievement positions India among a select group of nations possessing critical and advanced military technologies.
He congratulated the Ministry of Defense's research division, the armed forces, and the Indian industry for this "colossal achievement." The hypersonic missile has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers and can carry various types of warheads. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles fly at lower altitudes, reach their targets faster, and are less likely to be intercepted by modern air defense systems.
Currently, the United States, China, and Russia possess hypersonic weapons. Iran, North Korea, and Houthi forces in Yemen have also claimed to have tested such missiles, but it is unclear if they are operational within their military forces.
In recent years, India has undertaken significant measures to enhance its defense capabilities and has expanded cooperation in this area with the United States, Japan, Australia, and Germany.