Missile Development and Testing by DRDO (2024–2025)
Key Advancements in Hypersonic, Ballistic, Glide Bomb, and Air-to-Air Missile Technologies
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides in missile technology between 2024 and 2025, marking India’s progress in long-range hypersonic missiles, ballistic missile defence, and next-generation air-to-air weapons. These developments strengthen India’s strategic deterrence and self-reliance in defence technologies.
1. Long-Range Hypersonic Missile – Nov 2024
DRDO successfully conducted the first flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile.
Capabilities:
Payload over 1,500 km
Speed exceeding Mach 6
Significance: Demonstrates India’s entry into the elite club of nations capable of hypersonic strategic weapons.
Exam Focus: Hypersonic missiles are fast, maneuverable, and difficult to intercept, making them critical for strategic deterrence.
2. Agni-V with MIRV Technology – March 2024
Under “Mission Divyastra,” the Agni-V missile was flight-tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
Key Feature: A single missile can strike multiple targets independently, enhancing deterrence capability.
Exam Tip: MIRV technology is a key advancement in strategic missiles for multi-target engagement.
3. Agni-Prime (Agni-P) – Sept 2025
DRDO successfully launched the next-generation Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher.
Advantages:
Quick deployment in mountainous and difficult terrain
Enhanced mobility and survivability
Exam Highlight: Agni-P represents the modernization of India’s ballistic missile fleet with rail and road mobility.
4. Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence – July 2024
Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile successfully tested to neutralize enemy ballistic missiles of the 5,000 km class.
Significance: Enhances India’s layered missile defence system, protecting against long-range threats.
Exam Tip: Phase-II BMD is part of India’s strategic initiative for anti-ballistic missile defence.
5. Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ – April 2025
The ‘Gaurav’ glide bomb (1,000 kg class) was successfully released from a Su-30 MKI aircraft.
Purpose: Precision strike capability over long distances without entering heavily defended airspace.
Exam Focus: Glide bombs combine range, accuracy, and stealth, supporting air-to-ground tactical operations.
6. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) – Feb 2026
DRDO demonstrated SFDR propulsion technology in a flight test, enabling long-range air-to-air missile capability.
Importance: SFDR allows higher speed, extended range, and lighter missiles, crucial for modern aerial warfare.
Exam Tip: SFDR is a breakthrough in missile propulsion technology for next-generation fighter jets and interceptors.
📌 Quick Revision Table – DRDO Missile Achievements (2024–2025)
| Missile / Weapon | Type | Key Update | Exam Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Hypersonic | Hypersonic Missile | Flight-tested; 1,500 km; Mach 6+ | Strategic deterrence, high speed |
| Agni-V with MIRV | Ballistic Missile | Multiple targets capability | MIRV technology, multi-target engagement |
| Agni-Prime (Agni-P) | Ballistic Missile | Rail-based launch; mobile deployment | Mountainous terrain deployment |
| Phase-II BMD | Anti-Ballistic Missile | 5,000 km-class target neutralization | Layered missile defence |
| Gaurav Glide Bomb | Glide Bomb | 1,000 kg, Su-30 MKI release | Precision strike from long distance |
| SFDR | Air-to-Air Missile Propulsion | Successful flight demo | Long-range air-to-air capability |
Conclusion:
DRDO’s missile development between 2024–2025 demonstrates India’s technological maturity in hypersonic weapons, strategic deterrence, and next-gen air-to-air systems. With advancements like MIRV-equipped Agni-V, Agni-P mobility, Gaurav glide bomb, and SFDR technology, India is strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities, contributing to national security and strategic autonomy
Here’s a high-yield MCQ set based on the DRDO Missile Development and Testing (2024–2025) article, focused for UPSC, CDS, DRDO, and defense-related exams:
When was DRDO’s first long-range hypersonic missile successfully flight-tested?
A) March 2024
B) Nov 2024
C) Sept 2025
D) Feb 2026
Answer: B) Nov 2024
What is the approximate payload range of the long-range hypersonic missile tested by DRDO?
A) 500 km
B) 1,000 km
C) 1,500 km
D) 2,000 km
Answer: C) 1,500 km
Under “Mission Divyastra,” which DRDO missile was tested with MIRV technology?
A) Agni-P
B) Pralay
C) Agni-V
D) Astra
Answer: C) Agni-V
What is the main advantage of MIRV technology in Agni-V?
A) Increased speed beyond Mach 6
B) Single missile striking multiple targets independently
C) Glide bomb capability
D) Rail-based mobility
Answer: B) Single missile striking multiple targets independently
Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missile was successfully launched from which type of platform?
A) Fixed silo launcher
B) Aircraft-mounted launcher
C) Rail-based mobile launcher
D) Naval ship launcher
Answer: C) Rail-based mobile launcher
The Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) missile tested in July 2024 is capable of neutralizing enemy missiles of approximately:
A) 1,500 km class
B) 3,000 km class
C) 5,000 km class
D) 7,000 km class
Answer: C) 5,000 km class
From which aircraft was the long-range glide bomb ‘Gaurav’ successfully released?
A) Mirage 2000
B) Su-30 MKI
C) Tejas
D) MiG-29
Answer: B) Su-30 MKI
What is the primary significance of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) demonstrated by DRDO in Feb 2026?
A) Long-range glide bomb capability
B) Hypersonic missile payload delivery
C) Extended-range, high-speed air-to-air missile propulsion
D) MIRV deployment
Answer: C) Extended-range, high-speed air-to-air missile propulsion
Which of the following missile systems tested by DRDO is designed specifically for precision strike from aircraft over long distances?
A) Agni-V
B) Gaurav Glide Bomb
C) Agni-P
D) Phase-II BMD
Answer: B) Gaurav Glide Bomb