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Designed for both conventional and nuclear missions, the missile can carry warheads weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 kg over a range of approximately 1,500 km. According to defence sources, the missile’s velocity and evasive mid-flight manoeuvrability make it nearly impossible to intercept with current radar and air defence systems.
At the core of the ET-LDHCM is an advanced scramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen for fuel combustion, allowing sustained hypersonic speeds for extended durations.
It should be noted that DRDO has already conducted a successful 1,000-second ground test of the scramjet engine, marking a major milestone in the missile’s development.
Contrary to traditional ballistic missiles, the ET-LDHCM flies at low altitudes, is capable of mid-course corrections, and is built using heat-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials that can withstand extreme environments, including temperatures of up to 2,000°C.
What sets the ET-LDHCM apart is its flexibility. It can be launched from land-based launchers, aircraft, or naval platforms, vastly expanding India’s tactical and strategic strike options. Its pinpoint accuracy and ability to evade interception make it suitable for targeting enemy command centres, radar installations, naval assets, and fortified bunkers.
The missile’s development marks India’s second successful hypersonic programme in less than a year, following its LRAShM long-range hypersonic glide vehicle missile test in November 2024. Once inducted, the ET-LDHCM is expected to shift the regional power balance and significantly enhance India’s deterrence capabilities.
Once testing is complete and the missile is operational, India is expected to deploy the ET-LDHCM across all three services, fortifying its preparedness for future conflicts in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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I think these specs might be incorrect, especially warhead weight, as it's a confidential programme.
At the core of the ET-LDHCM is an advanced scramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen for fuel combustion, allowing sustained hypersonic speeds for extended durations.
It should be noted that DRDO has already conducted a successful 1,000-second ground test of the scramjet engine, marking a major milestone in the missile’s development.
Contrary to traditional ballistic missiles, the ET-LDHCM flies at low altitudes, is capable of mid-course corrections, and is built using heat-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials that can withstand extreme environments, including temperatures of up to 2,000°C.
What sets the ET-LDHCM apart is its flexibility. It can be launched from land-based launchers, aircraft, or naval platforms, vastly expanding India’s tactical and strategic strike options. Its pinpoint accuracy and ability to evade interception make it suitable for targeting enemy command centres, radar installations, naval assets, and fortified bunkers.
The missile’s development marks India’s second successful hypersonic programme in less than a year, following its LRAShM long-range hypersonic glide vehicle missile test in November 2024. Once inducted, the ET-LDHCM is expected to shift the regional power balance and significantly enhance India’s deterrence capabilities.
Once testing is complete and the missile is operational, India is expected to deploy the ET-LDHCM across all three services, fortifying its preparedness for future conflicts in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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I think these specs might be incorrect, especially warhead weight, as it's a confidential programme.
