DRDO eyes 3,500‑km range for LR‑AShM hypersonic missile family
The Defence Research and Development Organisation says extended‑range variants of its LR‑AShM hypersonic missile could reach 3,500 km, following a successful basic‑technology showcase at the January 2026 Republic Day Parade.
By SamacharDaily Editorial Team••1 min read
In January 2026, DRDO publicly displayed the LR‑AShM (Long‑Range Air‑to‑Surface Hypersonic Missile) during the Republic Day Parade, confirming that the core hypersonic propulsion and guidance systems have been validated in flight trials. The display marked the first visual confirmation of India’s indigenous long‑range hypersonic capability.
A senior DRDO scientist, cited in the agency’s own January 2026 newspaper‑clipping compilation, said development work is under way on extended‑range versions that could strike targets up to 3,500 km away. Engineers are focusing on boosting fuel efficiency, heat‑shield materials and advanced inertial navigation to sustain hypersonic speeds over the longer trajectory.
If realised, the 3,500 km LR‑AShM would place India among a handful of nations fielding operational hypersonic weapons with inter‑continental reach, potentially reshaping regional deterrence calculations and opening a new market for export‑oriented defence contracts.
Video: India's 1,500 km LR-AShM Explained | Hypersonic Missile to Counter Enemy Warships
The missile’s extended range would give India a credible second‑strike capability, altering the strategic balance with neighbouring powers that are also pursuing hypersonic programmes. It could also serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy and Air Force, enabling rapid, high‑precision strikes deep into hostile territory.
Domestically, the project underscores the government’s push to achieve self‑reliance in advanced weaponry, justifying continued budget allocations to DRDO and influencing future defence procurement policies. Successful deployment may also spur private‑sector participation in hypersonic component manufacturing, boosting the broader defence industrial base.
Reporting based on verified dispatches from Dharmakshethra - India Unabridged.View primary release ↗
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