Science & TechnologySource: Indian Express
Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) Showcased at Republic Day Parade
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
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At the 77th Republic Day Parade, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), marking a significant advancement in India's missile capabilities. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, focusing on science and technology. Last Updated: 2026-01-28
Key Facts About Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)
- About: The LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile with a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
- Speed: It reaches Mach 10 initially and maintains an average speed of Mach 5.
- Range: The missile can engage targets up to 1,500 km, with future variants extending this to 3,500 km.
- Stealth: It operates at low altitude, making it hard to detect by enemy radars.
- Propulsion: It uses a two-stage solid rocket motor for enhanced performance.
- Testing: A successful test was conducted in November 2024.
- Induction: Expected to enter service in the next 2–3 years.
- Significance: Enhances India’s defense capabilities significantly.
India's Strategic Defense Advancements
The LR-AShM represents a leap in India's strategic defense capabilities, aligning with national goals of self-reliance and technological advancement. It strengthens India's coastal defense and sea-denial strategies, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This development positions India among the few nations with hypersonic missile technology, enhancing its global defense stature.
Related Government Schemes/Policies
- Make in India: Promotes indigenous manufacturing, including defense technology.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Aims for self-reliance in defense production.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
- Prelims Angle: Questions on the specifications and capabilities of the LR-AShM.
- Mains Angle: Analytical themes on India's defense capabilities and technological advancements.
- Essay Paper: Topics on self-reliance in defense and strategic autonomy.
FAQ Section
- What is the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)? The LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile developed by DRDO, designed for coastal defense and sea-denial, with a range of up to 1,500 km.
- Why is the LR-AShM important? It enhances India's defense capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, and marks a significant advancement in indigenous missile technology.
- What are the key features of the LR-AShM? Key features include a speed of Mach 10, a range of 1,500 km, low-altitude stealth capabilities, and a two-stage solid rocket motor.
Detailed Coverage
- About: The LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile with a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
- Speed: It reaches Mach 10 initially and maintains an average speed of Mach 5.
- Range: The missile can engage targets up to 1,500 km, with future variants extending this to 3,500 km.
- Stealth: It operates at low altitude, making it hard to detect by enemy radars.
- Propulsion: It uses a two-stage solid rocket motor for enhanced performance.
- Aerodynamics: High efficiency minimizes drag, improving speed and accuracy.
- Strategic Role: Designed for the Indian Navy’s coastal defense and sea-denial capabilities.
- Future Development: Variants for Army, Air Force, and naval use are underway.
- Testing: A successful test was conducted in November 2024.
- Induction: Expected to enter service in the next 2–3 years.
- Significance: Enhances India’s defense capabilities significantly.
- Targets: Can engage both static and moving naval targets.
- Survivability: High speed and maneuverability increase its chances of evasion.
- Operational Area: Particularly crucial for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Milestone: First showcase at the Republic Day Parade.
- Indigenization: Represents advancement in indigenous missile technology.
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