Project Vishnu: In recent years, India has not only strengthened its armed forces with high-tech weaponry but also established itself as one of the leading defence arms exporters in the world.
As the country shares its borders with Pakistan and China, it has to increase its military prowess to safeguard itself from any threat. Taking a big leap in the hypersonic race, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a project that has given sleepless nights to its neighbouring enemies. The most advanced hypersonic missile project of the country has been named Project Vishnu. The hypersonic missiles under this project are being developed with completely indigenous technology. It has the power to change the balance of power in all of Asia.
Does Project Vishnu Have the Power to Change the Balance of Power Across Asia?
DRDO, known for making lethal weapons for the Indian Armed Forces, is working on India’s most advanced hypersonic missile project to date. The missiles being developed under Project Vishnu will be built using completely indigenous technology.
Missiles such as ET-LDHCM being built under Project Vishnu is capable of touching the speed of Mach 8 (about 11,000 kmph). With this, India will join the elite group including US, China and Russia that can build hypersonic weapons on their own.
Does Project Vishnu Include An Interceptor Missile?
Under Project Vishnu, the DRDO will make not one but 12 different types of hypersonic missile systems simultaneously. These 12 hypersonic missiles will have attacking missiles as well as interceptor missiles to intercept and destroy the enemy’s cruise or ballistic missiles. It means it also includes air defence.
DRDO aims to develop hypersonic glide vehicles before 2030. With this capability, India will have the power to target any part of Pakistan at hypersonic speed. Because of the hypersonic speed It is almost impossible to stop these missiles.
How Many Countries Have Hypersonic Missile Technology?
So far only three countries in the world have hypersonic missile technology the are – United States, Russia and China. India will also join the league very soon. The missiles being developed under Project Vishnu are capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads weighing 1000 to 2000 kg.
Can These Missiles Be Fired From Anywhere?
The ET-LDHCM missile program has a powerful scramjet engine for hypersonic capabilities. It has undergone initial testing by DRDO. This missile system is designed for launch from mobile platforms such as trucks, aircraft, and naval vessels.
Development of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) missile is progressing rapidly. As per media reports, the missile will have a range of approx 2,000 km and has sophisticated navigation technology, making it almost impossible for even China’s most advanced air defences to intercept it.