India’sDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the ET‑LDHCM hypersonic cruise missile under Project Vishnu.
This breakthrough weapon, flying at Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) with a range of 1,500 km, delivers both conventional and nuclear payloads. Its low-altitude, maneuverable flight makes interception nearly impossible. It’s a major leap forward in India’s defence technology. This groundbreaking achievement, developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) classified Project Vishnu, represents a quantum leap in India's military technology and places the nation among an elite group of countries with operational hypersonic capabilities.
What Makes the DRDO ET-LDHCM Hypersonic Cruise Missile Special
Powered by a scramjet engine, this missile uses atmospheric oxygen to maintain hypersonic speeds over long distances. It carries 1,000–2,000 kg warheads, endures temperatures up to 2,000°C, and can launch from land, sea, or air.
Its stealthy, low-level profile and mid-flight course changes give it a critical edge in modern warfare. The ET-LDHCM stands as a testament to India's indigenous technological prowess, delivering performance specifications that far exceed existing missile systems. The missile achieves an extraordinary speed of Mach 8, equivalent to approximately 11,000 kilometers per hour, making it capable of traveling three kilometers per second. This velocity represents a dramatic improvement over India's existing BrahMos cruise missile, which operates at Mach 3 speeds of roughly 3,675 kilometers per hour. Project Vishnu represents a comprehensive approach to hypersonic weapons development, encompassing multiple missile variants designed for different operational roles. The program aims to develop twelve distinct hypersonic systems, including hypersonic glide vehicles, cruise missiles, and anti-hypersonic defence systems. This ambitious initiative reflects India's strategic vision to achieve comprehensive hypersonic capabilities across all military services.
