Air-breathing engine milestone advances India's next-generation missile programme
What Happened
DRDO has successfully tested an indigenous, full-scale air-breathing scramjet engine, a key technology for future hypersonic cruise missiles. The long-duration ground test validated the engine's ability to sustain supersonic combustion, a critical requirement for missiles that can travel at speeds above Mach 5.
Key Takeaways
Scramjet engines allow missiles to use atmospheric oxygen instead of carrying an onboard oxidiser, enabling faster, longer-range and more efficient hypersonic flight. The latest test strengthens India's position in the global race for hypersonic weapons and lays the foundation for an indigenous hypersonic cruise missile programme.