This test marks a substantial advancement from a previous 120-second trial conducted in January 2025, demonstrating DRDO’s growing expertise in sustaining supersonic combustion over extended periods. The successful operation of the scramjet combustor validates its design and the capabilities of the test facility, paving the way for full-scale flight testing of hypersonic cruise missile systems.
Scramjet engines, or supersonic combustion ramjets, are air-breathing propulsion systems that operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds, typically above Mach 5. They are crucial for developing next-generation hypersonic cruise missiles, which can travel at speeds exceeding 6,100 km/h. The DRDO’s advancements in this area enhance India’s strategic defense capabilities and position it among the select nations pursuing hypersonic technologies.
The successful test also reflects a collaborative effort involving DRDO laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the achievement, highlighting it as a testament to India’s commitment to advancing critical hypersonic weapon technologies.
