It can fly at low altitudes, perform mid-air directional maneuvers while retaining structural integrity at hypersonic flight. With thermal shielding of up to 2,000°C (3,630°F; 2,270K), 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 reinforcedunderground bunkers.[7][9][4][10][11]
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.[6][7]
The initiative to create a long-duration scramjet engine has been taken by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory. It conducted the first ground test of an actively cooled scramjet combustor on 21 January 2025, lasting 120 seconds. The test showed stable combustion and successful ignition. A flame stabilizer was built into the combustor to maintain a steady flame at speed exceeding 1.5 km/s. DRDL in collaboration with private sector developed an endothermic fuel that provides easier ignition and better cooling. For hypersonic flight, DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology have collaborated to develop a ceramic-based thermal barrier coating that works beyond the melting point of steel and can endure extremely high temperatures. Using specialized deposition proccess, the coating is put within the scramjet engine to improve lifespan and performance.[17]
On 25 April 2025, DRDL carried out an extended ground test lasting over 1,000 seconds for the subscale scramjet combustor. It validated the combustor design for the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme. This test also prepared the scramjet engine for full-scale flight-worthy combustion testing.[8]
Development
India successfully tested ET-LDHCM in July 2025.[18] 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 1,500 kilometres (930mi), extendable to 2,500 kilometres (1,600mi) for a surface-to-surface variant, it will carry conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1,000–2,000 kilograms (2,200–4,400lb). 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.[3][4][19][20][21]
The missile body is made of heat-resistant materials that can withstand temperatures as high as 2,000°C (3,630°F; 2,270K). 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.[22][23] 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.[5][24][25]
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.[26][27] It is expected that Project Vishnu's development and deployment cycles will be expedited.[28] The ET-LDHCM will be made fully operational by 2030.[29] With a greater range and speed than BrahMos, ET-LDHCM's multi-platform support is intended to offer reliable preemptive strike.[5][30] It will be deployed across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces.[31]
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 2,000°C (3,630°F; 2,270K) 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.[1][28][30][32]
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