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)