Mach 8, 1,500-km range: India’s ET-LDHCM hypersonic missile marks big defence leap under Project Vishnu

The ET-LDHCM, which boasts a top speed of Mach 8 (approximately 11,000 km/h), can deliver swift and devastating strikes deep into enemy territory, including targets in China and Pakistan. (Representative image)

In a significant leap for India’s strategic defence capabilities, the country is reportedly preparing to test its most advanced indigenously developed hypersonic missile -- the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM).

Developed entirely using domestic technology under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) classified initiative Project Vishnu, the missile is being touted as a potential game-changer in the Asian military balance, as per a report by the Daily Jagran.

Deep precision strikes

The ET-LDHCM, which boasts a top speed of Mach 8 (approximately 11,000 km/h), can deliver swift and devastating strikes deep into enemy territory, including targets in China and Pakistan.

With this capability, India joins an elite group of countries, including the United States, China, and Russia, that have achieved operational success in hypersonic weapons technology.

Designed for both conventional and nuclear missions, the missile can carry warheads weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 kg over a range of approximately 1,500 km. According to defence sources, the missile’s velocity and evasive mid-flight manoeuvrability make it nearly impossible to intercept with current radar and air defence systems.

Hypersonic propulsion breakthrough

At the core of the ET-LDHCM is an advanced scramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen for fuel combustion, allowing sustained hypersonic speeds for extended durations.

It should be noted that DRDO has already conducted a successful 1,000-second ground test of the scramjet engine, marking a major milestone in the missile’s development.

Contrary to traditional ballistic missiles, the ET-LDHCM flies at low altitudes, is capable of mid-course corrections, and is built using heat-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials that can withstand extreme environments, including temperatures of up to 2,000°C.

Versatile launch platforms

What sets the ET-LDHCM apart is its flexibility. It can be launched from land-based launchers, aircraft, or naval platforms, vastly expanding India’s tactical and strategic strike options. Its pinpoint accuracy and ability to evade interception make it suitable for targeting enemy command centres, radar installations, naval assets, and fortified bunkers.

Strategic and economic impact

The missile’s development marks India’s second successful hypersonic programme in less than a year, following its long-range hypersonic missile test in November 2024. Once inducted, the ET-LDHCM is expected to shift the regional power balance and significantly enhance India’s deterrence capabilities.

Beyond its military use, experts suggest that advancements in hypersonic technology can have broader applications in satellite launches, aerospace development, and disaster response. The project has also opened avenues for private sector collaboration, with several Indian MSMEs and defence firms contributing to the effort, boosting local innovation and job creation.

A tactical edge

The successful deployment of the ET-LDHCM is anticipated to provide India with a vital edge. The missile’s speed, range, manoeuvrability, and survivability under extreme conditions make it a formidable asset in the country’s strategic arsenal.

Once testing is complete and the missile is operational, India is expected to deploy the ET-LDHCM across all three services, fortifying its preparedness for future conflicts in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.