Context

• The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired India's first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha late on November 16, 2024.
• Main feature: This hypersonic missile is designed to carry different materials from the armed forces to a distance of more than 1,500 kilometers.

Types of missiles:

• Cruise missiles: These missiles fly on a low pipeline and trace a fixed path towards their target. Example: Brahmos and Nirbhay, etc.
• Bull scientific missiles: These missiles fly on a high arc and then fall towards their target. Example: Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III, Dhanu and Prahaar, etc.

Stability based on speed:

supersonic missile

Features:

• These missiles reach their target very fast due to being higher than the speed of sound.
• They are generally used in air-to-air missiles.
• These missiles are small in size varying.

Hypersonic missile

features:

• Speed: 5 times or more than the speed of sound.
• They are used in long range missiles.
• These missiles can tolerate very high temperatures and pressure.
• Commercialization is very difficult as the other advantages are very high.

High-hypersonic missile

features:

• Speed: 25 times or more than the speed of sound.
• These missiles are faster than hypersonic missiles anywhere.
• It can be used in future warfare.
• Its development is still in the initial stage.

DRDO:

DRDO i.e. Defense Research and Development Organization is an important organization of the Government of India which works to strengthen the defense capabilities of the country.

• Establishment: DRDO was established in 1958.
• Chief: Dr. Sameer V Kamat Major

functions:

• Missile system: Development of missiles like Agni, Prithvi, Trishul.
• Sonar and radar system: Development of advanced sonar and radar for the Navy.
• Aeronautics: Development of hostile aircraft, Kashmir and Empire.
• Communication system: For the development of secure and reliable naval communication.
• Material science: Development of chemistry and reinforcement which is used in defense equipment.
• Biotechnology: Development of biodefense and medical equipment.