News: DRDO is preparing to test the Dhvani hypersonic missile, which is expected to significantly enhance India’s strategic capabilities.
About Dhvani Missile
- It is a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle that is launched to extreme altitude and then glides at hypersonic speed toward its target with high maneuverability.
- This glide profile makes the missile very difficult to detect and even harder to intercept for current defence systems.
- Developed by: The missile is being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Speed: The missile is designed to fly faster than Mach 5, which is over 7,400 km/h.
- Range: The estimated range of the missile is between 6,000 and 10,000 km.
- This range potentially doubles the reach of India’s current Agni-V.
- Deployment timeline: If the planned test succeeds, operational deployment is expected by 2029–30.
- Technology used
- Scramjet and thermal shielding: The program builds on scramjet propulsion and thermal shielding proven in the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle.
- Heat protection system: The missile uses ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites that withstand 2,000–3,000°C during reentry.
- Stealth shaping and glide stability: Stealth-optimised geometry and a blended wing-body reduce radar cross-section and support stable hypersonic glide.
- Significance
- Strategic deterrent: The missile provides a major strategic deterrent for India and can shift the security balance in South Asia and beyond.
- Hypersonic club: The capability places India alongside the United States, Russia, and China in hypersonic weapons.
- Indigenous self-reliance: The program highlights indigenous technology and self-reliance in critical defence sectors.
