Project Vishnu: India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) launched Project Vishnu, a program aimed at creating hypersonic cruise missiles. The project’s goal is to use fast, agile weapons to transform India’s strike capability.

Key aspects of Project Vishnu:

1. Deep precision strikes:

The ET-LDHCM strikes swiftly and lethally deep into enemy territory, including targets in China and Pakistan, thanks to its top speed of Mach 8 (around 11,000 km/h).
With this capability, India joins a select group of nations, alongside the US, China, and Russia, that have successfully deployed hypersonic weapons technology. Designed for both conventional and nuclear missions, the missile covers a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers and carries warheads weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 kg. Defense sources state that its speed and evasive mid-flight maneuvers make it nearly impossible for current radar and air defense systems to intercept.

2. Hypersonic Propulsion:

The ET-LDHCM achieves sustained hypersonic speeds through its advanced scramjet engine, which uses air oxygen for fuel combustion. DRDO has already marked a major milestone by successfully completing a 1,000-second ground test of the scramjet engine.

Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, the ET-LDHCM flies at low altitudes, makes mid-course corrections, and uses heat- and oxidation-resistant materials that withstand temperatures up to 2,000°C.

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3. A tactical edge:
It is expected that the ET-LDHCM’s effective deployment will provide India a significant advantage. The missile is a powerful tool in the nation’s strategic arsenal because of its speed, range, maneuverability, and ability to withstand harsh environments.

India is anticipated to implement the ET-LDHCM across all three services after testing is finished and the missile is operational, enhancing its readiness for future conflicts in a geopolitical environment that is becoming more unstable.

4. Strategic & Economic Impact:
After testing a long-range hypersonic missile in November 2024, the creation of the missile represents India’s second successful hypersonic program in less than a year. It is anticipated that the ET-LDHCM will change the balance of power in the region and greatly improve India’s deterrence capabilities once it is implemented.

Experts believe that developments in hypersonic technology can have wider uses in disaster relief, satellite launches, and aerospace development in addition to their military usage. With a number of Indian MSMEs and defense companies participating, the initiative has also created opportunities for private sector cooperation, which has increased local innovation and job development.

5. Launch Platforms:
The ET-LDHCM stands out for its adaptability. It significantly enhances India’s tactical and strategic strike capabilities, as forces can launch it from aircraft, naval platforms, or land-based launchers. Its pinpoint precision and interception-evading ability allow it to effectively target enemy command centers, radar sites, naval forces, and hardened bunkers.

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