DRDO conducts crucial Scramjet engine test for hypersonic missile program
Hyderabad, January 10
Defence Research & Development Laboratory, the Hyderabad-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, has achieved a path-breaking milestone in the development of hypersonic missiles, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
The DRDL successfully conducted an extensive long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor, achieving a run time of over 12 minutes at its state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility on January 9, 2026.
According to an official release, this significant achievement builds upon the earlier subscale test conducted on April 25, 2025, for long duration, marking a crucial step forward in Hypersonic Missiles development. The Combustor and test facility were designed and developed by the DRDL and realised by industry partners. The successful test positions India at the forefront of advanced aerospace capabilities, the statement added.
The Hypersonic Cruise Missile is capable of exceeding five times the speed of sound (over 6,100 km/hr) for extended periods. The remarkable feat is achieved through a cutting-edge air-breathing engine, which utilises supersonic combustion to sustain long-duration flight, as per the statement.
The ground-tests conducted at the SCPT facility have successfully validated the design of the advanced scramjet combustor, as well as the capabilities of the state-of-the-art test facility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, industry partners, and academia on the successful ground test of the Full Scale Actively Cooled Long Duration Scramjet Engine, said the release. He stated that the achievement is a solid foundation for the nation's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Program.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, "Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), the Hyderabad based laboratory of the @DRDO_India has achieved a path-breaking milestone in the development of Hypersonic Missiles. DRDL successfully conducted an extensive long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor at its state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility on 9 Jan 2026."
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams associated with the test for the commendable achievement.
Meanwhile, while chairing a review meeting at the DRDO headquarters on January 1, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the weapon systems developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor, which has served as a testament to its commitment towards safeguarding national interests.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone working in aerospace abroad, I'm genuinely impressed. The SCPT facility and the active cooling tech mentioned are cutting-edge. This isn't just about a missile; it's about foundational R&D that will benefit our entire aerospace sector. Well done to the team!
Great achievement, no doubt. But I hope this advanced technology translates into actual, inducted systems for our armed forces in a reasonable timeframe. We've seen delays before. The focus should be on timely deployment.
Hypersonic speed! Over 6100 km/hr! 🤯 It's mind-boggling. Makes me proud to see Indian scientists pushing the boundaries. Hope the young students reading this get inspired to take up STEM. Jai Hind!
Good to see industry partners and academia being credited alongside DRDO. Real innovation happens in collaboration. This is a solid step for deterrence. A capable defence is the best guarantee for peace.
The mention of Operation Sindoor in the same context is important. It shows these systems have real-world battlefield impact. DRDO's work is crucial for national security. More power to them!
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