India has successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha, marking a remarkable advancement in defense technology. This significant milestone positions India among a select group of nations with sophisticated missile capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this missile can carry multiple payloads and achieve ranges exceeding 1,500 km at speeds surpassing Mach 5.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh commended the test, describing it as a historic achievement that bolsters India's defense capabilities. This breakthrough not only enhances India’s military strength but also strengthens its strategic deterrence capabilities in the global arena.
A hypersonic missile is defined as one that travels at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 1,220 km/h). This extreme speed makes such missiles challenging to intercept, thus enabling rapid and precise strikes, which is crucial for national defense.
Currently, only a few countries like Russia and China possess operational hypersonic missile technology, with the United States also developing similar capabilities. India’s successful test aligns it with these global powers, showcasing its advancements in military technology.
This successful missile test significantly enhances India's defense landscape, allowing the nation to join an exclusive group of countries equipped with hypersonic technology. It signifies a leap toward technological self-reliance in defense systems and strengthens India’s strategic positioning.
The test was conducted off the coast of Odisha, specifically from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, which serves as a strategic location for missile launches. This site provides the necessary infrastructure and a controlled environment for conducting high-stakes missile trials.
Q1. What is a hypersonic missile, and why is it significant?
Answer: A hypersonic missile travels at speeds over Mach 5, making it extremely fast and difficult to intercept. This technology enables rapid strikes, enhancing national defense capabilities.
Q2. How fast can India’s hypersonic missile travel?
Answer: India’s hypersonic missile can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, allowing for high-accuracy strikes while evading conventional air-defense systems.
Q3. Who developed India’s long-range hypersonic missile?
Answer: The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with contributions from various DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
Q4. What range does the missile cover, and what kind of payloads can it carry?
Answer: The missile is designed for ranges over 1,500 km and can carry various payloads, including conventional and nuclear warheads, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Q5. What impact does this achievement have on India’s defense industry?
Answer: This achievement enhances India’s indigenous defense capabilities, promotes technological self-reliance, and solidifies the role of DRDO in leading defense technology development.
Question 1: Which organization developed India’s long-range hypersonic missile?
A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) HAL
D) BDL
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What speed does a hypersonic missile exceed?
A) Mach 3
B) Mach 4
C) Mach 5
D) Mach 6
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What type of warheads can the hypersonic missile carry?
A) Only conventional
B) Only nuclear
C) Both conventional and nuclear
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Where was the hypersonic missile test conducted?
A) Kerala
B) Odisha
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which country is NOT known to have operational hypersonic missiles?
A) Russia
B) USA
C) China
D) India
Correct Answer: D
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