Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased several advanced indigenous defence technologies during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in critical military systems.

LR-AShM Takes Centre Stage
Among the highlights was the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), displayed along with its launcher. The missile represents a major milestone in India’s hypersonic weapons programme and is designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.

Key Features of the LR-AShM
The LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets. It is designed to carry multiple types of payloads and is described as a first-of-its-kind system featuring fully indigenous avionics and high-accuracy sensor packages.

Speed, Trajectory and Accuracy
The missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, achieving hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining an average speed of Mach 5.0 through multiple atmospheric skips during flight. Indigenously developed sensors allow the missile to accurately engage moving targets during the terminal phase.

High Survivability and Lethality
With its low-altitude flight profile, extreme speed and high manoeuvrability, the LR-AShM remains largely undetectable by enemy ground-based and ship-borne radar systems for most of its trajectory. These characteristics make it a highly survivable and lethal weapon system.

Propulsion and Flight Profile
The missile is configured with a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system. The first stage accelerates the missile to the required hypersonic velocity before separating, after which the second stage propels it further. Following Stage-II burnout, the vehicle undertakes an unpowered glide, executing atmospheric manoeuvres before striking the target.

DRDO Tableau on Naval Technologies
In addition to the missile, the DRDO tableau themed ‘Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines’ showcased India’s advances in underwater warfare capabilities, reflecting the organisation’s focus on strengthening the Indian Navy through cutting-edge, indigenous technologies.