According to Indian defense media on September 5, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) submitted a joint arms program to the government, proposing the deployment of 500 hypersonic missiles for the three services after 2030.

This plan was incorporated into the "Vishnu Project" and received explicit support from the Minister of Defense, Singh. The goal is to address the "escalation of threats" from China and Pakistan in the next decade, especially the enemy's heavy air defense zones and deep strike forces.

Analysts believe that India's set target of deploying 500 missiles reflects its determination to catch up in the field of hypersonic weapons and also shows a shift in strategic thinking: to take an early position in the next generation of long-range strike systems.

It is reported that these hypersonic missiles will be based on the ET-LDHCM prototype, with a speed of up to 8 Mach, a range of over 1500 kilometers, compatible with nuclear and conventional warheads, and capable of land-based, air-launched, and sea-launched launch methods.

According to the plan, platform testing and system integration will continue between 2025 and 2030, and then enter the operational deployment phase after 2030, ultimately forming a hypersonic fire network that can suppress enemy air defenses, strike deep targets, and deter regional adversaries.

Imagined appearance

India's high-profile announcement of the 500-hypersonic missile plan probably does not stem from any breakthrough in military technology, but more like a response to China's military parade.

In the recent Chinese military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, the PLA concentrated on showcasing multiple types of hypersonic missiles, including YJ-17, YJ-19, DF-17, and CJ-1000, covering various types such as land-based glide bodies, sea-launched scramjet missiles, and long-range cruise platforms, forming a complete combat system.

This was a blow to India. So, India turned around and announced that we also want to develop 500.

It can only be said that this is very Indian, just like the mindset of "if China has it, I can also do it, and if China has it, I must have it too."

Imagined appearance

From the development progress, India does have some foundation. In July 2025, India successfully tested the ET-LDHCM hypersonic cruise missile, which reached a speed of 8 Mach and a range of over 1500 kilometers, using a self-developed scramjet engine.

This marked India's first breakthrough in achieving a hypersonic missile vehicle with operational potential, breaking the previous situation where only China, the United States, and Russia had mastered the core technology.

At the same time, the BrahMos-II project, jointly developed by India and Russia, is also under way. Although it has not been test-flown yet, related engine tests were completed at the end of 2024.

According to the current pace, India may indeed form two technical routes of hypersonic cruise and hypersonic glide body weapons prototypes before 2030.

From the government level, India has indeed shown great determination. It has included hypersonic technology in the 15-year defense modernization plan, clearly allocated budget, designated leading institutions, coordinated the needs of the three services, and it is among the highest priority projects. Other projects will all be put on hold to achieve this goal first.

BrahMos-II

However, ambition is one thing, reality is another, and it is far more complex than imagined.

The biggest problem facing India's hypersonic project is the lack of system capabilities.

On one hand, the test conditions are severely limited. India currently has only two wind tunnels that can support high-Mach airflow tests, far from meeting the needs of large-scale flight tests, material verification, and seeker testing.

On the other hand, India's industrial system is also unable to bear the mass production of hypersonic missiles. Scramjet engines require extremely precise thermal protection materials, ceramic coatings, gas control, etc., and India still heavily relies on imports in areas such as composite materials, precision machining, and seeker electronic systems.

If India wants to develop 500 of them within five years, it would be equivalent to rebuilding an entire high-end military industry system.

In addition, India also has natural shortcomings in the capability to deploy maritime and aerial platforms: the air force fleet is old, the number of aircraft carrier platforms is limited, making it difficult to support the multi-platform adaptation requirements of the missile.

Even for land-based launches, a large number of communication, guidance, and satellite support systems are needed. The current Indian military command and control system has not reached this level.

Therefore, it is basically impossible for India to deploy 500 hypersonic missiles after 2030.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546818071583785487/

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