Extended Trajectory–Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET LDHCM)

Context:

India is preparing to conduct tests for the ET‑LDHCM, an indigenously developed hypersonic cruise missile, under DRDO’s classified Project Vishnu.

 

Key Features of ET-LDHCM

Feature	Description
Developing Agency	Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Project Vishnu, a strategic initiative for next-gen missile systems.
Propulsion System	Powered by an advanced scramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen (rather than onboard oxidisers) for combustion, enabling sustained hypersonic flight.
Speed	Capable of reaching Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h), covering 3 km in just 1 second.
Range	Approximately 1,500 km, with deep-strike capability into hostile territory.
Payload Capacity	Can deliver 1,000–2,000 kg of conventional or nuclear warheads.
Trajectory & Manoeuvrability	Flies at low altitudes and is highly manoeuvrable, unlike conventional ballistic missiles with fixed paths.
Stealth & Heat Resistance	Built using heat-resistant materials (tolerates up to 2,000°C) and oxidation-proof coatings, ensuring durability even in extreme conditions like seawater or intense heat.
Launch Platforms	Highly versatile, can be deployed from land-based launchers, aircraft, or naval vessels.

 

 Strategic Significance

• Places India among a select group of nations—the USA, Russia, and China—with advanced hypersonic capabilities.
• Enhances India’s strike depth, especially against high-value strategic targets in China and Pakistan.
• Considered a potential game-changer in the Asian defence landscape, shifting regional power equations through rapid and unpredictable response capabilities.

 About Project Vishnu

• A DRDO-led classified mission aimed at developing hypersonic cruise missile technologies.
• Seeks to transform India’s offensive and deterrent capabilities through high-speed, precision-guided, manoeuvrable weapon systems.