India successfully conducted the second flight test of its Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast in May 2026. The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The hypersonic missile has a strike range exceeding 1,500 kilometres and can reportedly achieve speeds up to Mach 10. During the glide phase, it maintains hypersonic speed above Mach 5.
Verified defence reports confirm that the missile uses a two-stage hypersonic glide vehicle design. The configuration improves manoeuvrability and makes interception difficult during terminal attack phases.
According to verified reports, the missile is designed to target both stationary and moving naval assets, including high-value warships operating in deep ocean regions.
The missile reportedly uses advanced indigenous sensors for precision targeting during the terminal phase. Reports also state that its unpredictable flight profile includes low-altitude and skipping trajectories.
The development work has been carried out by DRDO laboratories under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, along with Indian industry partners.
The successful test significantly strengthens India’s maritime deterrence capability and enhances indigenous hypersonic weapon development under the government’s defence self-reliance initiative.
For AFCAT CDS and NDA examinations, candidates should note that hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 and hypersonic glide vehicles can manoeuvre during flight unlike traditional ballistic missiles.
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