Key Highlights
- Historic hypersonic missile test achieved on November 16, 2024, with range exceeding 1,500 km and Mach 10 speed capability
- Advanced scramjet technology validated through 1,000+ second ground tests, placing India among select nations with hypersonic capabilities
- Indigenous fighter jet progress with AMCA prototype expected by 2028-29 and LCA Tejas Mk2 induction by 2028-29
- Strategic autonomy milestone reducing dependence on foreign defense systems under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
- Elite club membership joining USA, Russia, and China in hypersonic weapons technology development
From Vulnerability to Self-Reliance
India’s defense landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since the harsh lessons of the Kargil War exposed critical vulnerabilities in foreign dependency. Today, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) stands as the cornerstone of India’s quest for strategic autonomy, spearheading breakthrough technologies that position the nation among global defense leaders.
The geopolitical reality of operating in a volatile neighborhood, with assertive neighbors like China and Pakistan, has made indigenous defense capabilities not just desirable but essential for national security. Technology denial regimes imposed by Western nations during critical periods have reinforced the imperative for self-reliant defense solutions.
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India has committed to achieving ₹1.75 lakh crore in defense production by 2025, with exports targeting ₹35,000 crore. This ambitious roadmap reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming India from a defense importer to a global defense manufacturing hub.
Hypersonic Revolution: Breaking the Sound Barrier
Technical Marvel Achieved
On November 16, 2024, DRDO achieved a historic milestone with the successful flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast. This groundbreaking weapon system, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,100 km/h), represents a quantum leap in India’s strike capabilities. pib.gov
The missile’s range of over 1,500 km and ability to carry various payloads for all three services of the Indian Armed Forces makes it a versatile strategic asset. Most remarkably, flight data confirmed the missile achieved Mach 10 speeds – approximately 12,144 km/h – surpassing initial design estimates of Mach 6-7.
Scramjet Technology Breakthrough
The foundation of India’s hypersonic success lies in its mastery of scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) technology. In April 2025, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory successfully conducted a long-duration scramjet test for over 1,000 seconds. This achievement followed an earlier 120-second test in January 2025, demonstrating rapid technological progress. ipdefenseforum
The scramjet engine represents one of the most challenging engineering feats, often described as “keeping a candle lit in a hurricane” due to the need to maintain stable combustion at supersonic speeds exceeding 1.5 km/s. The successful development of indigenous endothermic scramjet fuel and advanced ceramic thermal barrier coating enables the system to operate under extreme conditions.
Strategic Game-Changer
This hypersonic capability fundamentally alters regional power dynamics. The missile’s terminal maneuverability and extreme speed make it virtually impossible to intercept using existing missile defense systems. Combined with its ability to bypass conventional air defenses, this weapon system provides India with unprecedented deep-strike capabilities against high-value targets. idrw.org
Indigenous Fighter Jets: Soaring Toward Self-Reliance
LCA Tejas Mk2: Enhanced Combat Power
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, incorporating lessons learned from operational experience. This 4.5-generation fighter will be powered by the GE-414 engine and features enhanced capabilities including a combat range of 1,500 km and maximum speed of 1.8 Mach.
With a weight of 17.5 tonnes, the Tejas Mk2 can carry 6.5 tonnes of weapons across 11 weapon stations, making it capable of deploying 8 Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missiles simultaneously. The Indian Air Force plans to induct six squadrons of this advanced fighter by 2028-29.
AMCA: India’s Fifth-Generation Leap
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) represents India’s most ambitious aviation project, targeting fifth-generation stealth capabilities. This 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft incorporates advanced stealth features, including low electromagnetic signature and internal weapons bays for reduced radar detection.
The AMCA program, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March 2024 with an initial investment of ₹15,000 crore, follows a two-phase development approach. The Mk1 variant will utilize the GE F414 engine, while the more advanced Mk2 will feature a 110kN indigenous engine developed in collaboration with France’s Safran.
Innovation Ecosystem: Collaborative Excellence
Industry-Academia Partnerships
DRDO’s transformation from a traditional government laboratory to a collaborative innovation hub reflects modern R&D practices. The organization now actively partners with private industries, MSMEs, and startups through initiatives like the Technology Development Fund (TDF).
The Defence Innovation Organization (iDEX) has engaged over 600 startups as of 2025, providing grants and procurement support for innovative defense solutions. This ecosystem approach has accelerated technology development while building indigenous capabilities across the defense sector.
Next-Generation Focus Areas
DRDO’s research thrust has evolved to address emerging warfare domains including artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, stealth technology, and directed energy weapons. The organization is also investing heavily in compound semiconductors, laser-based weapons, and cryptography to maintain technological edge.
Challenges and Critical Assessment
Persistent Delivery Issues
Despite remarkable achievements, DRDO continues facing significant challenges in project execution. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted that 119 of 178 mission-mode projects experienced time overruns, with delays ranging from 16% to 500%.
Cost escalations remain a concern, with the CAG noting that 20 projects declared successful failed to achieve key objectives, resulting in ₹1,074.67 crore expenditure without meeting critical parameters. These issues underscore the need for improved project management and realistic timeline estimation.
Technology Gaps and Import Dependence
While DRDO has achieved breakthroughs in specific domains, technology gaps persist in critical areas like advanced engine technology and sophisticated avionics systems. The continued reliance on foreign engines for the AMCA program reflects these limitations.
Budget constraints also pose challenges, with DRDO’s allocation of ₹23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 representing only modest growth despite ambitious modernization goals.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Policy Framework for Success
Strategic Initiatives
The government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has provided crucial policy support for defense indigenization. Key measures include the Positive Indigenisation Lists banning imports of over 5,500 defense items, creating guaranteed demand for domestic production.
The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 targets substantial growth in domestic manufacturing, while Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu provide dedicated infrastructure for defense manufacturing.
Export Potential and Global Reach
India’s defense exports have grown nearly tenfold in recent years, reflecting improving product quality and international competitiveness. The successful development of systems like the BrahMos missile in collaboration with Russia demonstrates India’s potential as a defense technology partner for friendly nations.
Future Roadmap: Vision 2030 and Beyond
Accelerated Development Timeline
DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat has announced that LRAShM hypersonic missile trials will conclude within 2-3 years, indicating rapid progress toward operational deployment. The AMCA program targets prototype development by 2028-29 with squadron service beginning by 2035.
Technological Convergence
Future developments will focus on integrating artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and directed energy weapons into defense systems. The establishment of Centres of Excellence in emerging technologies will accelerate innovation while building long-term strategic capabilities.
Global Collaboration
While pursuing self-reliance, India recognizes the value of strategic partnerships. The AMCA Mk2’s engine development in collaboration with France’s Safran exemplifies how selective partnerships can accelerate indigenous capabilities without compromising strategic autonomy.
India’s defense transformation under DRDO’s leadership represents a remarkable journey from import dependence to indigenous innovation. The successful hypersonic missile test and advancing fighter jet programs demonstrate that with sustained investment, strategic vision, and collaborative execution, India can achieve technological parity with global leaders.
The challenges ahead require continued focus on accelerating project timelines, bridging technology gaps, and building robust industry-academia partnerships. As India advances toward its Vision 2047 of becoming a developed nation, DRDO’s contributions to strategic autonomy will remain fundamental to national security and technological leadership.
+ There are no comments
Add yours