India Launches 1,500 km-Range Hypersonic Missile

• India successfully launched its maiden long-range hypersonic missile with a range of 1,500 km.

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the test from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha coast.

• The missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 km for all armed forces services.

• The missile was tracked by various range systems and flight data from down-range ship stations confirmed successful terminal maneuvers and impact with high accuracy.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO on the historic achievement.

• The missile is indigenously developed by DRDO and can fly at speeds of at least Mach 5, five times the speed of sound.