Once thought to be purely mythical, ancient texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata include fantastical elements like inter-world travel and the Brahmastra. Nonetheless, there have been notable advancements in contemporary science in fields that appear to be similar to these ideas. For example, although not precisely as myths suggest, rapid travel and global connectivity are now feasible due to advancements in communication and transportation.
These old tales can be viewed as early attempts to explain natural phenomena or impart moral lessons, even though they frequently contain supernatural elements. It’s possible that some myths are based on actual people or events that have been embellished through oral tradition over time.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) created the LRAShM, a hypersonic glide missile. On November 16, 2024, it was successfully tested, reaching a speed of Mach 10, or roughly 12,144 km/h.
The Indian Navy will have a strategic edge in the Indian Ocean Region thanks to this missile’s ability to target naval assets at distances greater than 1,500 kilometers.
The LRAShM runs at Mach 10, which is a lot faster than the Mach 6-7 initial estimates. Its proven range is more than 1,500 kilometers.
The missile can be launched from both land and sea platforms and has a delta-wing hypersonic glide vehicle. It is made of cutting-edge materials that can tolerate high temperatures while in flight.
Strategic Significance: The LRAShM strengthens India’s defenses against hostile navies, especially China’s growing regional naval power.
With this Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, India joins the select few countries that can create hypersonic missiles, along with the US, China, and Russia.
China’s DF-17 missile can reach Mach 10–12, which is comparable to the Mach 10 speed of the LRAShM. The DF-17 has a stated range of roughly 1,000 km, while the LRAShM has a longer range that could surpass 1,500 km. India’s strategic deterrence capabilities are strengthened by the LRAShM, especially when it comes to thwarting China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. It gives India a strong instrument to swiftly destroy enemy assets, which is essential in light of China’s growing military might.
India and the United States have both advanced significantly in hypersonic technology, although the American program is more well-established. Nonetheless, India’s success with the LRAShM shows that it can make quick progress in this area. Hypersonic missiles are a component of the United States’ larger strategic arsenal, which aims to preserve military dominance on a worldwide scale. The LRAShM is an essential part of India’s regional defense plans, especially when it comes to China and Pakistan. While the United States and China both possess highly developed hypersonic capabilities, India’s LRAShM represents a major advancement in its defense technology and provides strategic advantages in the dynamics of regional security. India’s inventive approach to hypersonic technology is demonstrated by the LRAShM’s use of sophisticated guidance systems and unique heat-resistant materials. Modern science may not be directly predicted by ancient myths.Nonetheless, India’s success with the LRAShM shows that it can make quick progress in this area. Hypersonic missiles are a component of the United States’ larger strategic arsenal, which aims to preserve military dominance on a worldwide scale. The LRAShM is an essential part of India’s regional defense plans, especially when it comes to China and Pakistan.
