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ET-LDHCM

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ET-LDHCM (Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile)
TypeHypersonic cruise missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In serviceDevelopmental trials
Used byIntegrated Rocket Force, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy (intended)
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Laboratory
ManufacturerDr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Specifications
WarheadConventional or nuclear
Warhead weight1,000–2,000 kilograms (2,200–4,400 lb)[1][2]
EngineScramjet
Operational
range
>1,500 kilometres (930 mi)[3][4][5]
Maximum speed >Mach 8[3][2]

The ET-LDHCM is a scramjet-powered, conventional and nuclear capable, long range hypersonic cruise missile, being developed as part of Project Vishnu, under the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme by Defence Research and Development Organisation with private defence contractors and small and medium enterprises for the Indian Armed Force. ET-LDHCM is one among the twelve distinct hypersonic systems that DRDO is working on for offensive and defensive role.[6][7][2][8]

It can fly at low altitudes, perform mid-air directional maneuvers while retaining structural integrity at hypersonic flight. With thermal shielding of up to 2,000 °C (3,630 °F; 2,270 K), ET-LDHCM can withstand high temperature during acceleration, without losing stability. It is designed to outperform Indian military's present fleet of missiles and interceptors. ET-LDHCM being made interoperable with a variety of platforms that may launch from land, sea, or air, to target command centers, radar systems, naval fleets, and reinforced underground bunkers.[7][9][4][10][11]

History

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Project Vishnu is a classified program run by the Defence Research and Development Organization that aims to create sophisticated hypersonic weapon technologies to greatly increase India's attack and strategic deterrence capabilities, especially in reaction to threats from China and Pakistan. Twelve different hypersonic systems, including offensive missiles and interceptors that can destroy approaching threats in midair, are being developed as part of this initiative.[6][7]

From the early 2000s, DRDO has been conducting research on aeroacoustic studies for hypersonic vehicles, frequency selective surface applications using artificial intelligence, thermal barrier coatings, reaction control systems for hypersonic glide vehicles, and endothermic fuels for high-temperature applications.[12] As early as 2004, DRDO began design work on Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle, which is being developed for use as a carrier vehicle for long-range and hypersonic cruise missiles.[13][14][15][16]

The initiative to create a long-duration scramjet engine has been taken by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory. It conducted the first ground test of an actively cooled scramjet combustor on 21 January 2025, lasting 120 seconds. The test showed stable combustion and successful ignition. A flame stabilizer was built into the combustor to maintain a steady flame at speed exceeding 1.5 km/s. DRDL in collaboration with private sector developed an endothermic fuel that provides easier ignition and better cooling. For hypersonic flight, DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology have collaborated to develop a ceramic-based thermal barrier coating that works beyond the melting point of steel and can endure extremely high temperatures. Using specialized deposition proccess, the coating is put within the scramjet engine to improve lifespan and performance.[17]

On 25 April 2025, DRDL carried out an extended ground test lasting over 1,000 seconds for the subscale scramjet combustor. It validated the combustor design for the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme. This test also prepared the scramjet engine for full-scale flight-worthy combustion testing.[8]

Development

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India planned to test ET-LDHCM in 2025.[18] To follow the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, the missile has been developed with domestic technology to achieve hypersonic speed, long range, and precision strike capability. With a velocity of around 11,000 km/h or more than 3 km/s, ET-LDHCM is intended to surpass Mach 8. The missile is designed to evade radar detection and air defense interception. With range exceeding 1,500 kilometres (930 mi), extendable to 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi) for a surface-to-surface variant, it will carry conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1,000–2,000 kilograms (2,200–4,400 lb). It will fly at low altitudes, has the ability to change its course in mid-flight based on local geographic factors, and can execute mid-air maneuvers.[3][4][19][20][21]

The missile body is made of heat-resistant materials that can withstand temperatures as high as 2,000 °C (3,630 °F; 2,270 K). In order to shield it from sunlight and saline water, it has oxidation-resistant coating. The missile will be launched from the sea, the air using platforms such as Sukhoi Su-30MKI or Dassault Rafale, or from the ground. The missile's active-cooled scramjet engine will burn fuel using atmospheric air, allowing it to sustain high speeds for extended periods of time.[22][23] The missile construction is underway at Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. ET-LDHCM is intended to launch precision strikes on enemy targets, including fortified military bunkers, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. Final preparations are underway for the maiden test. It will go through extensive testing to verify its guidance, speed, range, and ability to survive in harsh environments.[5][24][25]

According to DRDO Chief Samir V. Kamat, as of 19 June 2025, official approval is still pending for the full-scale development. It could take five to seven years to get to operational level after clearance.[26][27] It is expected that Project Vishnu's development and deployment cycles will be expedited.[28] The ET-LDHCM will be made fully operational by 2030.[29] With a greater range and speed than BrahMos, ET-LDHCM's multi-platform support is intended to offer reliable preemptive strike.[5][30] It will be deployed across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces.[31]

Trial

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  • 14-16 July 2025: As per media reports, the DRDO has successfully tested ET-LDHCM from a test range on the eastern coast of India, The missile achieved its intended trajectory and hit its target with extreme accuracy. The performance stability is maintained at temperatures as high as 2,000 °C (3,630 °F; 2,270 K) during hypersonic travel, withstanding significant thermal stress. For operational flexibility, it will be integrated with a variety of platforms. To improve survivability against electronic countermeasures, increase range, and fine-tune the guidance system, more tests are planned.[1][28][30][32]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "India testing a missile that flies at eight times the speed of sound, hits targets 1,500 km away". The Economic Times. 14 July 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Meet India's Mach-8 Monster – A Missile Born In Shadows And Built To Strike Fear". Zee News. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b c Baidya, Satyaki (18 June 2025). "India's New Hypersonic Missile 3X Faster Than BrahMos, Boasts Greater Range, Deadlier Precision". News18. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Khosla, Anil (17 July 2025). "3X Faster Than "World's Fastest' BrahMos Cruise Missile, India Joins Elite League With Project Vishnu Hypersonic Test". eurasiantimes.com. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "Meet India's Deadliest Hypersonic Missile: Too Fast For Radars, Built To Smash Pakistan And China". Zee News. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  6. ^ a b Pillai, Joy (5 July 2025). "India making 12 types of hypersonic missiles, can attack Pakistan, China within...., missiles are developed by..." india.com. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  7. ^ a b c Modi, Diksha (15 July 2025). "Faster Than BrahMos, Deadlier Than Agni: How India's New Hypersonic Missile Changes The Game". News18. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  8. ^ a b "DRDO achieves significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  9. ^ Elezhar, Akhsan Erido (16 July 2025). "India Test-Fires New Mach 8 Hypersonic Missile". nextgendefense.com. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  10. ^ Sharma, Sonali (16 July 2025). "Big tension for Pakistan, China, as India tests THIS new hypersonic missile, which is 8X faster than speed of sound, can strike enemy at a range of..." DNA India. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  11. ^ "Flies at 11,000 km/h! India's new hypersonic missile outpaces and outguns BrahMos". english.mathrubhumi.com. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  12. ^ Kulkarni, Sushant (25 January 2025). "How DRDO's recent scramjet test puts India firmly in the hypersonic weapons race". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Aerospace Research Centre - Anna University". www.annauniv.edu. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  14. ^ T. S. Subramanian (9 May 2008). "DRDO developing hypersonic missile". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  15. ^ Roche, Elizabeth (12 June 2019). "India successfully test fires hypersonic cruise missile". livemint.com. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  16. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (12 June 2019). "DRDO test-fires futuristic missile tech, but its success is in doubt". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  17. ^ "DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  18. ^ Shehkawat, Meemansa (5 June 2025). "More bad news for Pakistan, China as India gears up to test ET-LDHCM missile in..., can travel faster than.., hit air defence systems and..." DNA India. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  19. ^ "India's Hypersonic Leap: Unveiling Project Vishnu (ET-LDHCM) and Its Game-Changing Capabilities". newsx.com. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  20. ^ Bajpai, Shubham (10 June 2025). "1,500 KM Range, Mach 8 Speed To Dodge Radars: India Set To Test Advanced Hypersonic Missile Developed Under 'Project Vishnu'". thedailyjagran.com. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  21. ^ "Mach 8, 1,500-km range: India's ET-LDHCM hypersonic missile marks big defence leap under Project Vishnu". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 11 June 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  22. ^ Verma, Shivam (10 June 2025). "Pakistan, China in fear as India plans to test advanced hypersonic missile developed under 'Project Vishnu', its top speed is..., name is..." DNA India. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  23. ^ Qureshi, Tahir (13 June 2025). "India developing hypersonic stealth missile capable of…, entire Pakistan, most parts of China…". india.com. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  24. ^ Roushan, Anurag (10 June 2025). "India set to test advanced hypersonic missile developed under 'Project Vishnu': All you need to know". indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  25. ^ Chougule, Pragati (12 June 2025). "India Set to Test ET-LDHCM; Indigenous Hypersonic Missile Under Project Vishnu Reaches Mach 8". The Bridge Chronicle. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  26. ^ Aroor, Shiv; Sharma, Divyam (19 June 2025). "'India's Hypersonic Glide Missile Is In Advanced Stage': DRDO Chief To NDTV". ndtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons". The Economic Times. 20 June 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  28. ^ a b Chougule, Pragati (14 July 2025). "India Tests New Hypersonic Missile "ET-LDHCM" Capable of Mach 8 Speed and 1,500 KM Range". The Bridge Chronicle. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  29. ^ "Why India's new hypersonic missile may outrun Israel's Iron Dome and Russia's S-500 and shift the balance in Asia". The Economic Times. 16 July 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  30. ^ a b Vaishnav, Akash (15 July 2025). "India's 'Project Vishnu' Unleashes Missile That Can Hit Enemy 1,500 Km Away at 8x Speed of Sound". newsable.asianetnews.com. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  31. ^ Walker, Carrington (22 July 2025). "India rivals China's military after 'most advanced' hypersonic missile test". The Mirror US. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  32. ^ Qureshi, Tahir (15 July 2025). "India tests new multi-feature hypersonic missile that can fly at incredible speed of…, name is…". india.com. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
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