In a significant advancement for India’s hypersonic weapon technology, the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad has successfully carried out a long-duration ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor. Conducted on April 25, 2025, the test lasted for over 1,000 seconds at the newly established Scramjet Connect Test Facility, marking a critical milestone in the nation’s defense capabilities.
This latest achievement builds upon a previous test conducted in January 2025, where the same system was successfully operated for 120 seconds. The successful completion of the long-duration test is viewed as a crucial step toward advancing full-scale flight testing of scramjet-powered systems that hold the potential to transform military capabilities.
Hypersonic cruise missiles, which utilize air-breathing scramjet engines, are capable of traveling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, that is, over 6,100 kilometers per hour, for extended periods. The scramjet technology, characterized by supersonic combustion, is pivotal in maintaining sustained cruise conditions at hypersonic speeds. The successful testing not only validates the design of the long-duration scramjet combustor but also demonstrates the operational capabilities of the newly developed test facility.
This achievement results from a collaborative effort involving various DRDO laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions, signifying a robust foundation for India’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme. The cooperation underscores the importance of integrating diverse expertise to attain complex technological objectives crucial for national defense.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the successful test, highlighting it as a testament to the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing critical hypersonic weapon technologies essential for national security. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defense capabilities, calling for continued innovation and research in advanced weapon systems.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, also expressed appreciation for the teams involved in the project. He commended Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems) Shri U Raja Babu, Director of DRDL Dr. G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, and their teams for their remarkable achievement in demonstrating supersonic combustion for more than 1,000 seconds, showcasing India’s state-of-the-art technological prowess in defense research.
The successful ground test not only propels India’s hypersonic weaponry capabilities forward but also positions the country strategically in the realm of advanced military technologies, potentially influencing regional and global security dynamics.
