Daily Current Affairs : 18-November-2024
India has recently achieved a significant milestone in defence technology by successfully testing its first long-range hypersonic missile. This breakthrough marks India’s entry into an exclusive group of nations capable of developing and deploying advanced hypersonic weapons. Hypersonic missiles, known for their speed and agility, represent the future of modern warfare. Below are the key features, capabilities, and applications of this remarkable missile.
Features of India’s Hypersonic Missile
- Mach 6 Speed: The missile can travel at speeds six times faster than the speed of sound. This drastically reduces the enemy’s reaction time, making it a powerful weapon in combat.
- Long Range: With a range of over 1,500 km, this missile is designed for deep-strike missions, allowing it to target distant enemy assets with precision.
- Mid-Flight Manoeuvrability: Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, this hypersonic missile can change its flight path mid-flight. This combines the speed of ballistic missiles with the agility of cruise missiles, making it harder to intercept.
- Multi-Payload Capacity: The missile can carry various types of warheads, including conventional and nuclear, making it versatile for different strategic needs.
- Advanced Tracking: Equipped with cutting-edge monitoring systems, the missile ensures precise targeting, allowing it to strike critical targets with accuracy.
- Indigenous Design: Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this missile showcases the country’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
Capabilities of the Hypersonic Missile
- Strategic Deterrence: The missile enhances India’s defence readiness, bolstering its ability to protect its borders and maintain strategic deterrence.
- Multi-Domain Use: This missile is adaptable across multiple platforms, including land, air, and naval forces. It can also target enemy ships, further enhancing its utility in naval warfare.
- Defence Evasion: Due to its high speed and manoeuvrability, the missile is capable of evading most modern missile defence systems, making it difficult for enemies to intercept.
- Precision Strikes: With its ability to deliver pinpoint strikes, the missile can target critical military infrastructure while minimizing collateral damage.
Applications and Development Background
- Military Applications: The missile has multiple applications across India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. The naval version, in particular, is designed to destroy enemy warships at long ranges with high precision.
- Developmental Background: The missile’s development builds on the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) project, which began in 2019. This successful test is the culmination of years of research and innovation in hypersonic technology.
Global Context and Significance
India’s success in developing a hypersonic missile places it alongside other military powers like China, Russia, and the United States. The global context of hypersonic weapons is critical as these technologies are seen as game-changers in modern warfare, offering unprecedented speed and precision. With this achievement, India not only enhances its defence capabilities but also strengthens its position on the global military stage.
Important Points:
Here are the key bullet points based on the essay:
- India’s First Hypersonic Missile Test: Successful test marks India’s entry into the exclusive group of nations with hypersonic weapons capabilities.
Key Features:
- Mach 6 Speed: Travels six times the speed of sound, reducing enemy reaction time.
- Long Range: Can cover over 1,500 km, enabling deep-strike missions.
- Mid-Flight Manoeuvrability: Combines ballistic missile speed with cruise missile agility to avoid interception.
- Multi-Payload Capacity: Can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
- Advanced Tracking: Equipped with cutting-edge systems for precise targeting.
- Indigenous Development: Developed by India’s DRDO, showcasing self-reliance in defence technology.
Capabilities:
- Strategic Deterrence: Enhances India’s defence readiness and border security.
- Multi-Domain Use: Can be adapted for land, air, and naval platforms.
- Defence Evasion: Capable of evading modern missile defence systems.
- Precision Strikes: Delivers targeted attacks with minimal collateral damage.
Applications:
- Versatile Military Use: Applicable across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Naval Version: Aimed at destroying enemy warships with precision at long ranges.
Development Background:
- Built upon the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) project started in 2019.
Global Context:
- Puts India in the same league as major military powers like China, Russia, and the US in hypersonic missile technology.
Significance:
- Strengthens India’s military capabilities and its position as a global power in advanced defence technologies.
Why In News
India recently successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in defence technology and positioning the country alongside a select group of nations capable of developing and deploying advanced hypersonic weapons. This achievement not only enhances India’s military capabilities but also strengthens its strategic deterrence on the global stage.
MCQs about India’s First Hypersonic Missile: A Leap in Defence Technology
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What is the speed of India’s first hypersonic missile?
A. Mach 3
B. Mach 5
C. Mach 6
D. Mach 8
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of India’s hypersonic missile?
A. Multi-payload capacity
B. Mid-flight manoeuvrability
C. Range of over 3,000 km
D. Advanced tracking systems
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Which organization developed India’s first hypersonic missile?
A. ISRO
B. DRDO
C. HAL
D. BHEL
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What strategic advantage does India gain with the successful test of its hypersonic missile?
A. It strengthens India’s space exploration capabilities.
B. It enhances India’s naval presence in the Arctic.
C. It boosts India’s military deterrence and global positioning.
D. It improves India’s commercial satellite technologies.
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