Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile(LR-AShM) | 28 Jan 2026

Source: IE 

At the 77th Republic Day Parade, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time, marking a major milestone in India’s missile capabilities. 

LR-AShM 

• About: LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile that follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, combining ballistic launch with low-altitude, manoeuvrable flight. 
• Speed and Flight Profile: It reaches Mach 10 initially and maintains an average Mach 5, performing multiple atmospheric “skips” that enhance range and unpredictability. 
• Range and Targets: The missile can engage both static and moving targets and has a range of about 1,500 km, with future variants planned up to 3,500 km. 
• Stealth and Survivability: Flying at low altitude with extreme speed and manoeuvrability, the missile is difficult for enemy ground-based and ship-based radars to detect or intercept. 
• Propulsion System: The missile uses a two-stage solid rocket motor—Stage-1 separates after burnout, while Stage-2 boosts the missile before it enters an unpowered hypersonic glide phase. 
• Aerodynamic Efficiency: High aerodynamic efficiency allows the missile to minimise drag while maintaining lift and control, enabling greater speed, range, and accuracy with optimal energy use. 
• Purpose and Strategic Role: It is designed for the Indian Navy’s coastal defence needs and serves as a potent sea-denial weapon capable of neutralising all classes of warships, particularly in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
• Future Development and Induction: Variants of the LR-AShM for the Army, Air Force, and ship-launched naval use are under development, following a successful test in November 2024, with warhead and sensor integration underway and induction into service expected within the next 2–3 years.