ET-LDHCM


The Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile is a scramjet-powered, conventional, and nuclear capable long range hypersonic cruise missile being developed as part of Project Vishnu under the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme by the Defence Research and Development Organisation with private defence contractors and small and medium enterprises for the Indian Armed Forces. ET-LDHCM is one among the twelve distinct hypersonic systems that DRDO is working on for an offensive and defensive role.
It can fly at low altitudes, perform mid-air directional maneuvers while retaining structural integrity at hypersonic flight. With thermal shielding of up to, ET-LDHCM can withstand high temperature during acceleration, without losing stability. It is designed to outperform Indian military's present fleet of missiles and interceptors. ET-LDHCM being made interoperable with a variety of platforms that may launch from land, sea, or air, to target command centers, radar systems, naval fleets, and reinforced underground bunkers.

History

Project Vishnu is a classified program run by the Defence Research and Development Organization that aims to create sophisticated hypersonic weapon technologies to greatly increase India's attack and strategic deterrence capabilities, especially in reaction to threats from China and Pakistan. Twelve different hypersonic systems, including offensive missiles and interceptors that can destroy approaching threats in midair, are being developed as part of this initiative.
From the early 2000s, DRDO has been conducting research on aeroacoustic studies for hypersonic vehicles, frequency selective surface applications using artificial intelligence, thermal barrier coatings, reaction control systems for hypersonic glide vehicles, and endothermic fuels for high-temperature applications. As early as 2004, DRDO began design work on Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle, which is being developed for use as a carrier vehicle for long-range and hypersonic cruise missiles.

Scramjet development

Development

India successfully tested ET-LDHCM in July 2025. To follow the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, the missile has been developed with domestic technology to achieve hypersonic speed, long range, and precision strike capability. With a velocity of around 11,000 km/h or more than 3 km/s, ET-LDHCM is intended to surpass Mach 8. The missile is designed to evade radar detection and air defense interception. With range exceeding, extendable to for a surface-to-surface variant, it will carry conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to. It will fly at low altitudes, has the ability to change its course in mid-flight based on local geographic factors, and can execute mid-air maneuvers.
The missile body is made of heat-resistant materials that can withstand temperatures as high as. In order to shield it from sunlight and saline water, it has oxidation-resistant coating. The missile will be launched from the sea, the air using platforms such as Sukhoi Su-30MKI or Dassault Rafale, or from the ground. The missile's active-cooled scramjet engine will burn fuel using atmospheric air, allowing it to sustain high speeds for extended periods of time. The missile construction is underway at Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. ET-LDHCM is intended to launch precision strikes on enemy targets, including fortified military bunkers, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. Final preparations are underway for the maiden test. It will go through extensive testing to verify its guidance, speed, range, and ability to survive in harsh environments.
According to DRDO Chief Samir V. Kamat, as of 19 June 2025, official approval is still pending for the full-scale development. It could take five to seven years to get to operational level after clearance. It is expected that Project Vishnu's development and deployment cycles will be expedited. The ET-LDHCM will be made fully operational by 2030. With a greater range and speed than BrahMos, ET-LDHCM's multi-platform support is intended to offer reliable preemptive strike. It will be deployed across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces.

Trial

  • 14-16 July 2025: As per media reports, the DRDO has successfully tested ET-LDHCM from a test range on the eastern coast of India, The missile achieved its intended trajectory and hit its target with extreme accuracy. The performance stability is maintained at temperatures as high as during hypersonic travel, withstanding significant thermal stress. For operational flexibility, it will be integrated with a variety of platforms. To improve survivability against electronic countermeasures, increase range, and fine-tune the guidance system, more tests are planned.