India Debuts LRAShM Hypersonic Missile During 77th Republic Day Parade
Hypersonic Missile Makes Public Debut at Kartavya Path
India publicly unveiled its first indigenous hypersonic missile, the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile, during the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The missile was displayed on a mobile launcher as part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation tableau, marking its first official public appearance.
The Republic Day Parade, themed around self-reliance in defence technology, showcased several indigenous weapon systems. Alongside the LRAShM, the display included the Dhanush Gun System, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher. The event was attended by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who were present as chief guests.
Designed for Long-Range Maritime Strike
The LRAShM hypersonic missile has been developed primarily for anti-ship warfare, with a focus on targeting high-value naval assets such as aircraft carriers. The missile is designed to strengthen India’s maritime strike capability, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
According to available details, the missile has an operational range of approximately 1,500 kilometres. Future variants under consideration could extend this range to around 3,500 kilometres. Its hypersonic speed exceeds Mach 5 and is reported to reach up to Mach 10, allowing it to cover a distance of 1,500 kilometres in roughly 15 minutes.
Speed, Survivability and Launch Capability
The missile follows a boost-glide profile, combining high speed with manoeuvrability. Its aerodynamic design and velocity significantly reduce detection and interception windows for enemy radar and air defence systems. The LRAShM is capable of carrying multiple payload configurations, enhancing its operational flexibility.
The system is currently configured for ground launch from a mobile platform. Defence sources indicate that naval and air-launched variants may be explored in the future, expanding its deployment options across services.
Indigenous Development Under DRDO Programmes
The LRAShM has been developed entirely by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as part of India’s hypersonic glide and cruise missile programmes. It addresses long-standing operational requirements of the Indian Navy for long-range anti-ship strike capability.
While detailed timelines of the development programme have not been made public, the Republic Day Parade marked the first official confirmation of the missile’s operational readiness. DRDO project officials have highlighted the missile’s ability to evade advanced air defence systems as a key operational advantage.
Strategic Implications for India’s Maritime Posture
Defence analysts view the LRAShM as a major enhancement to India’s sea-denial and deterrence capabilities. Its speed and range allow rapid engagement of hostile naval formations, significantly altering the maritime balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
The missile’s debut reinforces India’s position among a limited group of countries possessing operational hypersonic weapons. It also aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, underscoring progress in advanced indigenous defence technologies amid intensifying global competition.
Media Coverage and Official Status
The LRAShM’s display during the Republic Day Parade received wide coverage across Indian media, with visuals of the missile on a mobile launcher shared extensively on television, digital platforms, and social media. Reports consistently described it as a long-range hypersonic glide missile with an estimated range of about 1,500 km and speeds exceeding Mach 5.
However, as of now, there is no official confirmation or mention of the LRAShM by name on the websites of DRDO, the Ministry of Defence, PIB, or other primary Government of India portals. Searches across these platforms show no press releases, technical notes, or parade-related documentation referring specifically to the missile.
Defence observers note that such gaps are not uncommon, as major systems are often showcased publicly first, with formal documentation released later through official channels. Any subsequent updates from DRDO or PIB may provide definitive confirmation and technical details.
