India Achieves Major Breakthrough in Hypersonic Missile Technology
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has reached a remarkable milestone in hypersonic missile development. On January 9, 2026, the laboratory conducted a successful long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor at the advanced Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility, achieving an impressive runtime of over 12 minutes.
This significant accomplishment follows a previous subscale test carried out on April 25, 2025, marking crucial progress in the pursuit of hypersonic missile technology. The Combustor and the cutting-edge testing facility were designed and developed by DRDL in collaboration with various industry partners. This success places India among the leading nations in advanced aerospace capabilities.
Understanding Hypersonic Missiles
Hypersonic cruise missiles can travel at speeds exceeding five times that of sound, reaching over 6,100 km/hr, for extended durations. This extraordinary capability is made possible by an advanced air-breathing engine that utilizes supersonic combustion technology to sustain prolonged flight. The tests conducted at the SCPT facility have effectively validated both the design of the advanced scramjet combustor and the capabilities of the state-of-the-art testing facility.
Reactions from Officials
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO, its industry partners, and academic institutions for the successful ground test of the Full Scale Actively Cooled Long Duration Scramjet Engine. He emphasized that this achievement lays a strong foundation for India’s ongoing Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Program.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also extended his congratulations to the teams involved in the test for their exceptional work. This milestone is seen as a crucial step in bolstering India’s defense capabilities, enhancing its strategic posture on the global stage.
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