New Delhi: India has reportedly conducted a successful Phase-II flight trial of its indigenously developed Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) from a defence facility off the Odisha coast, marking another milestone in the country’s hypersonic weapons programme.
According to defence sources, the two-stage, boost-glide hypersonic weapon achieved speeds exceeding Mach 5 during the test, demonstrating its scramjet-powered propulsion and high-precision guidance capabilities. The missile is designed to engage high-value naval targets as well as land-based assets at ranges of up to 1,500 km, offering a formidable stand-off strike option that can penetrate advanced air defence systems through extreme velocity and manoeuvrability.
A recent Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for airspace over the Bay of Bengal closely aligns with the reported timing of the test activity. However, neither the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) nor the Ministry of Defence has issued an official statement confirming the trial as of now.
The LR-AShM programme, which aims to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capabilities, first drew public attention when a mock-up of the system was displayed during the Republic Day parade in January 2026. The missile is intended to serve as a coastal battery asset as well as a potential ship-launched weapon, providing the Navy with rapid, long-range precision strike power against moving surface targets in contested waters.
Development of the LR-AShM builds on earlier successful hypersonic technology demonstration trials conducted by DRDO, including tests from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. Analysts view the weapon as a strategic deterrent that strengthens India’s ability to project power and protect its maritime interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region where naval competition is intensifying.
If officially validated, this Phase-II trial would represent substantial progress toward weaponisation, bringing India closer to operationalising one of the world’s most advanced anti-ship hypersonic systems. The programme underscores DRDO’s growing expertise in hypersonic technologies and India’s push for self-reliance in next-generation precision strike munitions.
The successful development of the LR-AShM is expected to provide the Indian Navy with a decisive edge in anti-surface warfare, complementing existing systems like BrahMos and expanding the country’s layered maritime deterrence posture.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.