India stands on the brink of a game-changing moment in defense technology. On January 26, 2026, during the 77th Republic Day Parade, the nation will unveil the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM)—a hypersonic marvel developed indigenously by DRDO. This isn't just a missile; it's a strategic powerhouse designed to dominate the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), striking fear into adversarial navies with its blistering speed and pinpoint accuracy.
Why LRAShM Marks India's Hypersonic Leap
Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, making them nearly impossible to intercept. The LRAShM joins an elite club alongside systems from the US, Russia, and China, but it's fully homegrown, embodying the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision. First tested successfully in November 2024 from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, it has progressed rapidly—entering serial production by October 2025. Its Republic Day debut signals operational readiness amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions, bolstering India's sea denial strategy against threats like aircraft carriers and destroyers.
Key milestones include:
- 2023: Initial aerodynamic tests at National Aerospace Laboratory's wind tunnel.
- November 2024: Maiden flight trial with optical tracking and terminal maneuvers.
- Mid-2025: Advanced trials concluded, confirming Mach 8-10 speeds.
- October 2025: Serial production phase begins for Navy and Army integration.
Cutting-Edge Features That Make LRAShM Unstoppable
At its core, LRAShM employs a boost-glide system: a solid-fuel booster rockets a delta-wing hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) partially into near-orbit, then it re-enters, gliding at hypersonic speeds with adaptive maneuvers. Here's what sets it apart:
- Speed: Mach 8-10 (over 3 km/second), outpacing most defenses.
- Range: 1,500+ km, enabling deep strikes into enemy waters.
- Guidance: X-band synthetic-aperture radar seeker with monopulse homing for precision against moving targets.
- Maneuverability: Terminal phase dives with complex paths to evade intercepts.
- Thermal Resilience: Special materials withstand 2,000°C+ heat during flight.
- Payload Flexibility: Conventional or nuclear warheads for varied missions.
- Size & Weight: ~14m long, under 20 tons—deployable via Mobile Autonomous Launchers (MAL) or Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) on warships.
When compared to the supersonic BrahMos missile, LRAShM showcases dramatic advancements across key parameters. Its speed reaches Mach 8-10, far surpassing BrahMos's Mach 2.8-3, allowing it to cover vast distances in seconds and overwhelm enemy radar systems. Range-wise, LRAShM extends over 1,500 km for deep-water engagements, while BrahMos tops out at 290-800 km, limiting it to nearer-shore operations.
Launch platforms for LRAShM include land-based Mobile Autonomous Launchers and naval Vertical Launch Systems, offering flexible deployment similar to BrahMos's multi-platform versatility across land, sea, air, and submarines. Evasion capabilities stand out with LRAShM's hypersonic glide maneuvers that execute unpredictable dives and weaves, contrasting BrahMos's sea-skimming supersonic flight path. Finally, warhead options on LRAShM encompass both conventional and nuclear payloads for strategic flexibility, whereas BrahMos sticks to conventional strikes only. This leap positions LRAShM as a next-generation deterrent.
Strategic Deals and Production Boost
No major foreign deals underpin LRAShM—it's a DRDO triumph with private sector involvement for serial production. However, it ties into broader procurement pushes. In 2025, the Navy fast-tracked VLS integrations for destroyers like Visakhapatnam-class. Army coastal units eye MAL deployments along the 7,500 km coastline. DRDO Chief's June 2025 update hinted at trials wrapping in 2-3 years, but accelerated timelines beat expectations. Export potential looms, positioning India as a hypersonic exporter amid global demand. Related deals include ₹34,000 crore investments in Uttar Pradesh's defense corridor, fueling missile tech growth.
The Rocket Science Behind the Beast
Powered by a solid rocket booster for initial ascent and scramjet-like sustainment in glide phase, LRAShM's HGV uses onboard computers for real-time trajectory tweaks and electronic counter-countermeasures. During re-entry, plasma sheaths challenge comms, but advanced RF seekers ensure lock-on. Tested under extreme conditions, it mimics real-war scenarios, sinking mock carriers at sea. This tech draws from Agni series heritage, like Agni-1P's anti-ship tweaks (1,000-2,000 km range).
India's Maritime Might in the Indo-Pacific
LRAShM fortifies "sea denial," deterring carrier strike groups from China or others encroaching on IOR chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Deployed, it extends India's reach, protecting trade routes carrying 80% of oil imports. As Project Director A Prasad Goud noted, it challenges adversaries' naval dominance. With stealth, speed, and accuracy, LRAShM isn't just a weapon—it's a statement of India's rising superpower status.
In a world of escalating naval rivalries, India's hypersonic edge arrives right on time. The Republic Day showcase will thrill spectators and send ripples globally. Stay tuned as LRAShM sails into service, safeguarding the seas for generations.
