LR-AShM

 

NEWS: India successfully tested a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM)

ABOUT

  • Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Tested off the Odisha coast.
  • The missile achieved: Range: 1,500 km, Speed: Up to Mach 10 (hypersonic)

Key Features of LR-AShM

  • Hypersonic Capability--> Travels at: Mach 10 (initial phase), Around Mach 5 (glide phase)
  • Range--> 1,500 km strike range: Enables India to target threats deep in the ocean
  • Can hit: Stationary targets, Moving maritime targets
  • Can carry multiple payload configurations--> Enhances operational versatility

Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)

  • A missile that: Reaches high speed using rocket boost--> Then glides unpowered towards target

Strategic Importance

  • Maritime Defence--> Strengthens Indian Navy’s coastal defence
  • Enhances deep-sea strike capability
  • Position in Missile Arsenal--> Bridges gap between: BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile), Ballistic missiles

Advantages

  • High speed + long range
  • Non-nuclear deterrence
  • Ability to destroy high-value naval targets

Global Significance

  • Places India among: Elite hypersonic technology nations
  • Reduces: Dependence on foreign defence systems
  • Boosts: Indigenous defence manufacturing (Atmanirbhar Bharat)

 

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