About LRAShM:

Why in  News ? India to unveil its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile on Republic Day 2026.

About LRAShM:

• Developed by the DRDO for the Indian Navy, the missile’s specs make it a “carrier-killer”:

• Range: Current capability is 1,500 km, with a future roadmap extending to 3,000–3,500 km.
• Speed: Operates at Mach 5 to Mach 8 (approx. 2–3 km per second). It can hit a target 1,500 km away in about 15 minutes.
• Flight Profile: Unlike standard ballistic missiles that follow a predictable arc, the LRAShM uses a Boost-Glide architecture. It is launched via a rocket but then glides and maneuvers at hypersonic speeds within the atmosphere, making it nearly impossible for current radars to track or intercept.
• Launch Method: Uses cold-launch technology from a canister, which increases the lifespan of the launcher and improves safety for ship-borne and mobile land units.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Comparison: The Hypersonic Landscape:

The LRAShM puts India on equal footing with global powers, though each nation’s approach varies slightly:

Feature	India (LRAShM)	Russia (Zircon/3M22)	China (YJ-21 / DF-17)	USA (HACM / Dark Eagle)
Type	Boost-Glide (HGV)	Scramjet (Cruise)	HGV / Ballistic Hybrid	Scramjet / HGV
Max Speed	Mach 6–8	Mach 8–9	Mach 10	Mach 5+
Range	1,500 km	1,000 km	1,500 km+	Varied (800–2,700 km)
Platform	Land-mobile / Ship	Ship / Submarine	Ship / Air / Land	Air / Land / Sub