India will showcase a major defence milestone at the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, as DRDO unveils its long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile (LRAShM). Capable of striking naval targets from long distances, the LRAShM will make its public debut at Kartavyapath, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence and strengthening its maritime deterrence.
What Makes the Hypersonic Missile Special
The LRAShM is a technological marvel. It can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, which means it moves faster than five times the speed of sound. This extreme speed, combined with high manoeuvrability and precision, makes it extremely difficult for enemy defence systems to intercept. In simple terms, it can reach its target quickly and with deadly accuracy.
The LRAShM has a range of 1,500 kilometers, allowing India to strike high-value naval targets, including aircraft carriers and large warships, from a safe distance. This capability significantly strengthens India’s maritime security, especially in the Indian Ocean region, where strategic sea lanes are often contested. By showcasing the LRAShM, India highlights its readiness to protect its waters and maintain a strong naval presence.
DRDO has developed the LRAShM as part of a broader push to advance next-generation weapon technologies. The missile represents years of research and testing in areas such as high-speed propulsion, advanced materials, guidance systems, and thermal management. These technologies ensure that the LRAShM can withstand extreme heat and pressure while maintaining accuracy at hypersonic speeds.
Display at Republic Day: LRAShM Sends a Message of Strength
The Republic Day parade has always been more than just a celebration. It is a stage where India demonstrates its defence capabilities to the world. The unveiling of the LRAShM at Kartavyapath is particularly significant, as it places India among a small group of nations capable of developing hypersonic weapons. This is a clear signal that the country is advancing rapidly in defence technology and self-reliance under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
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The LRAShM is designed for use in high-threat environments and contested sea lanes, giving the Indian Navy a powerful tool to counter hostile surface combatants. By displaying it publicly, India is showing both its technological achievements and its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.
Experts note that the induction of the LRAShM into India’s defence system will significantly enhance naval deterrence. It is not just a weapon but also a strategic platform that demonstrates India’s ability to design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge military systems without relying on foreign technology.
Advancing India’s Defence Capabilities
The LRAShM reflects India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence ecosystem. It is part of a larger initiative by DRDO to explore hypersonic glide missile and hypersonic cruise missile technologies, which are crucial for modern warfare. Hypersonic weapons like the LRAShM are considered the next frontier in military technology due to their speed, range, and precision, which make them extremely hard to defend against.
Defence officials explain that the LRAShM’s advanced design ensures extreme speed, accuracy, and manoeuvrability, making it a critical asset for the Indian Navy. Its ability to hit targets from stand-off distances allows Indian naval forces to respond effectively to threats while minimizing risks to personnel.
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The LRAShM also underscores India’s focus on self-reliance in defence research. By successfully developing this hypersonic technology domestically, India demonstrates that it can compete with leading global powers in advanced military innovations. The display of the LRAShM at the Republic Day parade sends a strong strategic message about India’s commitment to protecting its borders and maritime interests.
With global attention focused on India’s defence advancements, the unveiling of the LRAShM highlights the country’s growing capabilities in modern warfare. This hypersonic anti-ship missile not only strengthens India’s naval deterrence but also reinforces the nation’s image as a technologically advanced power in the region.