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India Tests First Hypersonic Missile Amid Regional Tensions
India has successfully conducted a test of its first hypersonic missile, a significant advancement in its defense capabilities, as announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This announcement comes just days after China demonstrated its own military advancements, including new stealth aircraft, at a major airshow.
Hypersonic missiles represent a cutting-edge leap in military technology. They are designed to fly at speeds greater than Mach 5 and can navigate at lower altitudes compared to traditional ballistic missiles. This makes them more difficult for radar systems to detect and intercept, with the added ability to alter their trajectory mid-flight.
This technological race in hypersonic weapons is not limited to India. The United States, Russia, China, and North Korea have all conducted tests, while several other nations are actively developing similar systems. As nations push the boundaries of military technology, the strategic landscape is shifting.
Minister Singh highlighted India’s achievement, stating, “India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile.” The missile was launched from Abdul Kalam Island, located off India’s east coast, and was visually confirmed via footage released by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showing it ascending with a trail of flames.
Singh emphasized that this development places India among a select group of nations possessing advanced military technologies, marking a historic and strategic moment for the country. However, specific details regarding the missile’s capabilities remain undisclosed.
The timing of India’s hypersonic test is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with China’s display of military prowess, including the unveiling of the J-35A stealth fighter and the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system capable of countering threats posed by ballistic missiles and hypersonic vehicles.
In recent years, India has sought to strengthen its defense ties with Western nations, notably through collaborations in the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia. Additionally, India’s procurement of Russian military supplies, including the controversial S-400 missile defense system, highlights the complexities of its defense relationships as it navigates potential pressure from the United States regarding these purchases.
As nations continue to develop and showcase advanced military technology, the strategic implications for regional and global security are profound, and the balance of power may increasingly hinge on such capabilities.
Source
www.yahoo.com