The world of defence technology has seen a significant shift in recent years with the advent of hypersonic missiles. These high-speed weapons pose new threats and opportunities for nations globally, and their development has become a focal point in modern warfare.
Understanding Hypersonic Missiles
A hypersonic missile is a type of weapon system that flies at speeds exceeding Mach 5, equivalent to five times the speed of sound. This high-velocity feature sets hypersonic missiles apart from traditional ballistic missiles which follow a predictable ballistic trajectory. Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic ones can be maneuvered throughout their flight toward the intended target, imparting them with a higher degree of unpredictability and versatility.
There are two main types of hypersonic weapons systems – Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. HGVs are launched from a rocket before gliding towards their target, while hypersonic cruise missiles utilize air-breathing high-speed engines, also known as ‘scramjets,’ once they have acquired their target.
Benefits of Hypersonic Missiles
The advantages of hypersonic missiles are manifold. Firstly, they enable responsive, long-range strike capabilities against distant and defended threats. This is especially useful when other forces are unavailable or access is denied. Moreover, given their speed and maneuverability, hypersonic missiles can effectively target time-sensitive threats such as road-mobile missiles.
Another key feature of these weapons is their ability to destroy targets using kinetic energy, the energy derived purely from their motion. This makes them highly effective even against hardened or underground facilities.
Detection Challenges
Hypersonic weapons present several challenges for detection and defense due to their speed, maneuverability, and relatively low-altitude flight. Ground-based or terrestrial radars struggle to detect hypersonic missiles until late in their flight. This delayed detection limits the response time and options available to intercept the incoming missile, further increasing their threat potential.
Nations Developing Hypersonic Weapons
Several countries have realized the strategic importance of hypersonic weapons and are actively pursuing their development. The United States, Russia, and China are currently at advanced stages in their hypersonic missile programs. Other countries like India, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia are also making strides in this field.
The Indian Hypersonic Missile Programme
India is independently developing a dual-capable (conventional as well as nuclear) hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle Programme. The country has made significant progress in this regard, having successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in June 2019 and September 2020. India possesses about 12 hypersonic wind tunnels and is capable of testing speeds up to Mach 13.
The development and deployment of hypersonic missiles represent an important shift in global defense strategies. With their speed, maneuverability, and stealth, these weapons may well shape the future of warfare.