India conducts 2nd test of LR‑AShM — 1,500 km hypersonic anti‑ship missile

What: DRDO conducted 2nd flight test of Long‑Range Hypersonic Anti‑ship Missile (LR‑AShM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island; two‑stage hypersonic glide vehicle reached 1,500 km, speeds up to Mach 10; validated terminal guidance and mid‑course manoeuvres.

Significance:

• Strategic capability: Enhances long‑range anti‑surface strike and deterrence; advances hypersonic tech and defence indigenisation.

• Regional implications: Alters maritime strike calculus and missile deterrence dynamics in Indo‑Pacific.

UPSC relevance: Defence R&D, strategic stability, missile technology policy.

Practice Q: Evaluate the strategic implications of India developing hypersonic anti‑ship missiles.