Between July 14 and 16, 2025, India reportedly completed a successful test of a powerful new missile under the secretive initiative known as Project Vishnu. This hypersonic cruise missile is called the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM) and is said to be three times faster than BrahMos, India’s current fastest missile.
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While BrahMos reaches speeds of Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound), this new missile can travel at speeds of Mach 8 to Mach 10. At such high velocities, it becomes nearly impossible for current air defense systems to stop it. This makes it a powerful tool for India’s military and a major leap in defense technology.
Project Vishnu is led by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The goal is to develop an advanced missile system that can reach targets faster, fly farther, and remain hidden from enemy radar. With this achievement, India joins a very small group of countries—the United States, China, and Russia—that have tested similar hypersonic technologies.
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This missile was designed to work in the most extreme conditions. Its engine, known as a scramjet, uses oxygen from the atmosphere to burn fuel, allowing it to travel at hypersonic speeds for long distances. The scramjet engine also improves fuel efficiency, making it suitable for extended missions.
Inside the Missile: What Makes ET-LDHCM So Powerful
The ET-LDHCM missile is not just about speed. It includes several features that make it highly advanced. It is made from special materials that can withstand temperatures up to 2,000°C, created by the intense friction of moving so fast through the atmosphere. These materials are also resistant to sunlight, seawater, and corrosion, making the missile suitable for naval operations as well.
The missile can be launched from land, air, or sea, giving India flexibility in how it uses it. With a range of 1,500 km, extendable up to 2,500 km, it can reach deep into enemy territory. It is designed to target radar systems, military command centers, and enemy ships, making it useful in multiple war scenarios.
A major feature is the missile’s stealth ability. It flies at very low altitudes and uses a special effect called plasma stealth. At hypersonic speeds, the air around the missile turns into ionized gas or plasma. This plasma absorbs radio waves, making it very hard for radar systems to detect the missile. It can also perform mid-air turns to dodge enemy defense systems.
The ET-LDHCM can carry warheads between 1,000 and 2,000 kilograms. This gives it the ability to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, depending on the mission. Its ability to fly low and fast while staying hidden makes it one of the most advanced weapons in India’s arsenal.
From HSTDV to Vishnu: A Major Leap in Indian Missile Tech
Project Vishnu builds on the success of earlier Indian projects like the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) and the Shaurya missile. The HSTDV had already shown that India could maintain hypersonic speeds using an indigenous scramjet engine. A 1,000-second ground test of this engine was a key step that helped pave the way for the latest missile.
However, Project Vishnu is not just another version of those earlier missiles. It is a completely new system that includes improved speed, better range, and next-level stealth. According to available reports, India’s approach is focused on indigenous development, meaning that most of the technology used is developed within the country. This reduces the need for foreign support and strengthens India’s self-reliance.
The ET-LDHCM is expected to change how India responds to threats from nearby countries that are also building powerful missiles. Nations like China and Pakistan are increasing their missile capabilities. By developing the ET-LDHCM, India is ensuring that it has a strong and modern defense system ready for any challenge.
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The work on Project Vishnu is not only important for defense. The same technologies—like the scramjet engine, advanced materials, and guidance systems—can also be used in space launches and other civilian sectors. This could lead to cheaper and more efficient satellite launches in the future.
India’s defense industry, including private companies and small-scale businesses, is also expected to grow as a result of this project. By involving different sectors, Project Vishnu is creating jobs, improving skills, and boosting the country’s technological base.