DRDO Unveil New Hypersonic LR-AShM Maritime Strike Missile Speeds of up to Mach 10.

India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is reportedly developing a next-generation Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 10. If confirmed, this would mark a significant leap in India's missile technology, positioning it among the handful of nations capable of deploying hypersonic strike capabilities at sea.

A New Era for India’s Naval Strike Capabilities

The LR-AShM project aims to provide the Indian Navy and Air Force with a cutting-edge weapon system designed to neutralize high-value maritime targets, including aircraft carriers and heavily defended warships. Unlike conventional supersonic anti-ship missiles such as the BrahMos, which travels at Mach 2.8 to 3, the LR-AShM reportedly leverages advanced scramjet propulsion to reach hypersonic speeds, significantly reducing enemy reaction time.

Key Specifications and Features

While official details remain classified, available reports suggest the following specifications for the hypersonic LR-AShM:

• Speed: Up to Mach 10 (over 12,000 km/h)
• Range: Estimated between 1,500 – 2,000 km
• Propulsion: Scramjet-powered hypersonic engine
• Guidance System: Multi-mode seeker (active radar, infrared, and possibly AI-assisted target recognition)
• Launch Platforms:
  • Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI and future AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)
  • Indian Navy’s P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
  • Vertical launch from warships and possibly future submarines
• Warhead: Likely a high-explosive or penetration warhead, optimized for ship destruction
• Stealth Features: Reduced radar cross-section and plasma-based electronic countermeasures
• Terminal Maneuverability: Capable of unpredictable flight paths to evade interception

How Does the LR-AShM Compare to Global Hypersonic Missiles?

India's new LR-AShM would be one of the fastest maritime strike weapons in existence, rivaling or surpassing Russia's Zircon missile (Mach 9) and China’s DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. The missile's scramjet propulsion differentiates it from ballistic systems, allowing for sustained hypersonic speeds with greater maneuverability.

Strategic Implications for India's Naval Power

The introduction of the LR-AShM would significantly bolster India's naval deterrence, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. It would provide a credible countermeasure against China’s growing carrier strike groups and enhance India's ability to neutralize enemy fleets before they enter contested waters. Additionally, the missile’s range and speed make it a formidable asset for deep-strike operations against land-based naval installations.

Future Developments and Testing

Reports suggest that DRDO has been conducting advanced trials of hypersonic propulsion technology, with previous tests of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) proving successful. The LR-AShM is expected to integrate lessons from these trials, with a full-scale prototype possibly being tested before the end of the decade.

India’s new hypersonic LR-AShM represents a paradigm shift in naval warfare, combining extreme speed, extended range, and cutting-edge guidance technology. As development progresses, this missile could redefine India’s maritime strike capabilities, ensuring a credible and technologically advanced deterrent against future threats.