The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) hypersonic weapon system has advanced to its serial manufacturing stage, marking a significant milestone for the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), said Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL). The announcement represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime deterrence portfolio and domestic hypersonic strike capability.
The LR-AShM, created as part of DRDO’s integrated hypersonic program, has proven to have outstanding aerodynamic stability, thermal resistance, terminal precision, and sustained hypersonic performance in a number of flight validation tests. The missile’s changing trajectory flight path and precision targeting allow it to avoid enemy defenses at speeds higher than Mach 5.
A solid-fuel booster provides initial acceleration, while a scramjet engine provides continuous hypersonic cruise. The system’s propulsion is based on an indigenous dual-stage arrangement. With a strike range of 700–1,000 kilometers made possible by this propulsion configuration, it is among the longest-range anti-ship weapons being developed by major maritime countries.
With its ability to launch from Sukhoi Su-30MKI, future Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF), and naval surface vessels, the LR-AShM, which was primarily designed for maritime strike duties, offers versatility between platforms. It is outfitted with sophisticated guidance that combines secure navigation systems with active radar and infrared seekers to enable precise targeting against valuable naval targets.
DRDO has started working with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and other strategic partners to set up manufacturing lines for early batch production now that serial production has been approved. With this shift, India demonstrates its readiness to give its air and naval systems a domestic hypersonic attack capability, significantly improving strategic deterrence at sea and regional power projection.
