Project Vishnu: DRDO targets Mach 12 speed for Hypersonic Missile Program, outpacing global competitors
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is at the forefront of missile technology innovation with its ambitious Hypersonic Missile Development Program, part of Project Vishnu. This initiative aims to create two long-range hypersonic missile systems, with the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) being a key focus. The HCM is poised to transform India’s strike capabilities and serve as a significant deterrent.
The HCM is designed for a range of 1,000 kilometers, with production anticipated to begin by the late 2020s. Unlike conventional cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons operate at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them extremely challenging to intercept. Recent reports indicate that DRDO is striving to surpass Russia’s 3M22 Zircon, a nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile, by targeting speeds above Mach 9 for India’s HCM.
DRDO aims to create a missile that can achieve double-digit Mach speeds, which will make it exceedingly difficult for current anti-missile defense systems to detect and intercept. These advancements will mark a significant milestone for India in missile technology, positioning it among the select few nations with operational hypersonic capabilities.
The HCM will be developed in both land-based and naval ship-based variants, and there are plans to potentially create a nuclear attack submarine-launched variant by the late 2030s.
This winged hypersonic cruise missile will feature a lift-generating center body. It will be powered initially by a solid-fuel booster stage to reach supersonic speeds, followed by a scramjet motor using liquid fuel during the hypersonic cruise phase. As the missile travels, the plasma cloud generated by the air pressure in front will absorb radio waves, enhancing its radar-evading capabilities through plasma stealth.
Alongside the HCM, DRDO is also developing the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) as part of Project Vishnu. However, DRDO officials have noted that the complexities associated with the HCM program are even greater than those for the HGV. The combination of supersonic speeds, precision guidance, and advanced stealth technology presents significant engineering challenges.
Despite these challenges, the DRDO Chief recently stated that the organization is targeting substantial development milestones for the HCM program within the next five years. This timeline reflects DRDO’s dedication to rapidly enhancing India’s hypersonic missile capabilities to address future defense requirements.
Hypersonic missiles are increasingly recognized as crucial components in modern warfare due to their speed, accuracy, and ability to breach enemy defenses. Nations like the United States, China, and Russia are heavily investing in hypersonic technology, underscoring its importance in achieving strategic superiority.
For India, developing an indigenous HCM under Project Vishnu is a significant move toward strengthening its deterrence capabilities. Once operational, the HCM will not only expand India’s missile arsenal but also provide a technological advantage in high-stakes, multi-domain operations.
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