India takes a step towards hypersonic capability
An earlier Indian hypersonic test vehicle from 2016. The latest test in December paves the way towards creation of a functional weapon system. (Photo: ISRO)
India's latest test of its HAVA hypersonic vehicle takes the country a step further towards fielding a functional weapon system.
Responding to Chinese technological advances, India is prioritising a Hypersonic Air-breathing Vehicle with Air integration systems (HAVA).
In a first step towards weaponisation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Joint Services Innovation and Indigenisation Centre (JSIIC) jointly conducted hypersonic vehicle tests on 9 December Dec that, according to an ISRO statement, 'achieved all required parameters and demonstrated hypersonic vehicle capability'.
This ties in with a statement by the then Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat who announced last year the creation of a strategic ‘new’ rocket force and the need to use 'niche' technologies to face current security challenges.
ISRO
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
-
![Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency]()
Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency
The Irish Naval Service has struggled to maintain capability, particularly in the face of lucrative private sector offers luring away personnel.
-
![Resilience, adaptiveness and collaboration vital for success in space (Studio)]()
Resilience, adaptiveness and collaboration vital for success in space (Studio)
Speakers at the Defence In Space Conference (DISC) 2025 highlighted the critical and evolving role of space in national security, defence and the global economy.
-
![Why the NORAD inventory might be the US and Canada’s Achilles’ heel]()
Why the NORAD inventory might be the US and Canada’s Achilles’ heel
Both the US and Canada operate Cold War-era capabilities which cannot defeat today’s and tomorrow’s threats.
