India has successfully tested its new indigenous hypersonic cruise missile, the ET-LDHCM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the classified “Project Vishnu.” The missile reached Mach 8 (approx. 11,000 km/h) and hit its target from the country’s eastern coast on July 14, 2025.
Powered by an air-breathing scramjet engine, ET-LDHCM achieves sustained hypersonic flight without carrying onboard oxidizers. It withstands extreme heat using advanced thermal coatings and oxidation-resistant materials, enduring temperatures beyond 2,000°C.
The missile supports both conventional and nuclear warheads and features a low-altitude flight path with mid-course maneuvering, making it difficult to detect and intercept. It can be launched from land-based platforms, naval vessels, or aircraft such as the Su-30MKI and Rafale.
This program reflects India’s push for advanced strike capabilities and strategic self-reliance. Full deployment of ET-LDHCM is expected before 2030 as part of a broader hypersonic weapons initiative aimed at enhancing deterrence in high-threat environments.
