Why in the News?
The DRDO is preparing for the maiden test of the “Dhvani” hypersonic missile.
About the Dhvani Missile and Its Features
- Overview: The Dhvani hypersonic missile is being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of its advanced hypersonic weapons programme.
- Type: It is designed as a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) — a next-generation missile system capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds (beyond Mach 5 or over 7,400 km/h) while performing sharp maneuvers at high altitudes.
- Range and Speed:
- Expected operational range: 6,000–10,000 km, potentially doubling the reach of India’s Agni-V ICBM.
- Speed: Exceeds Mach 5, making interception nearly impossible with current missile defence systems.
- Flight Mechanism:
- Launched to extreme altitudes before entering a glide phase in the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.
- The glide vehicle can change direction mid-course, allowing unpredictable trajectories that evade radar and anti-missile systems.
- Design and Engineering:
- Length: ~9 metres; Width: ~2.5 metres.
- Blended Wing-Body Configuration: Enhances lift and stability while reducing aerodynamic drag.
- Thermal Protection System: Uses ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites capable of withstanding 2,000–3,000°C during re-entry.
- Stealth Features: Angled surfaces and smooth contours minimise radar cross-section, making it virtually undetectable to enemy radars.
- Development Heritage:
- Builds upon DRDO’s success with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which validated India’s scramjet propulsion and heat-resistant materials.
- Represents the transition from technology demonstrator to operational weapon system, signalling India’s arrival in the hypersonic era.
Comparison with Global Hypersonic Systems:
| System Name | Type | Speed (Mach) | Operational Status | |
| Russia | Avangard | HGV | 20+ | Deployed |
| China | DF-ZF | HGV | 10 | Deployed |
| United States | Dark Eagle / HACM | Hypersonic Glide / Cruise | 8–10 | In testing |
| India | Dhvani (HGV) | Hypersonic Glide Vehicle | 5–6+ | Pre-test stage (2025) |
Strategic Significance for India:
- Global Standing: Positions India alongside the U.S., Russia, and China in the exclusive club of hypersonic powers, showcasing its advanced defence R&D capacity.
- Regional Deterrence: Creates a technological and strategic edge over Pakistan and provides a credible counterbalance to China’s hypersonic arsenal.
- Survivability and Precision: The missile’s speed, stealth, and maneuverability make interception nearly impossible while enabling pinpoint strikes on both land and sea targets.
- Indigenous Achievement: Developed entirely through Indian expertise, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in critical defence technologies.
- Force Multiplier: Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrent and strategic triad, ensuring readiness for long-range precision and deterrence missions.
| [UPSC 2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
