'Carrier Killer Of India': Why DRDO's Hypersonic Missile Has China, Pakistan In Tension

Designed to carry various payloads over ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometres, the hypersonic missile represents a major milestone in indigenous defence technology. Developed by DRDO’s Hyderabad-based laboratories and other industry partners, the missile’s successful trial involved senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces officers, showcasing India’s technological prowess in military innovation.

Hypersonic missiles offer unique advantages over traditional ballistic missiles. Unlike their predictable counterparts, these weapons can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them nearly impossible to intercept. Flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5—more than five times the speed of sound—they travel at altitudes too low for most radar systems to detect and are capable of reaching targets with unprecedented speed and precision.

This new missile exemplifies cutting-edge technology with a speed of over 11,000 kilometres per hour, enabling it to cover 2.087 kilometres in a single second. Being termed 'The Carrier Killer of India', it serves as a counterweight to China’s 'carrier killer' DF-21D, a missile designed to target aircraft carriers. Its ability to avoid ballistic trajectories makes it a formidable addition to India’s arsenal and a challenge for existing defence systems to track or intercept.

With this capability, India can reach critical targets with incredible speed. For example, the missile can strike Pakistan’s military headquarters in Rawalpindi or Peshawar in three minutes, Islamabad in four minutes, and Karachi in six minutes. The hypersonic missile also places vast regions of Pakistan and China within India’s striking range, a strategic advantage that enhances its deterrent posture.

The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) is another testament to DRDO’s collaboration with industrial units and its focus on modernizing India’s military capabilities. Its inclusion in India’s arsenal aligns with broader strategic objectives, including countering regional threats and maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

By joining the elite club of nations with hypersonic missile technology—previously limited to the United States, Russia, and China—India has solidified its position as a key global defence power. This development not only enhances India’s military readiness but also underscores its growing influence in the global security landscape.