India Goes Hypersonic

India successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile over the weekend, the government said yesterday, maneuvering midflight and impacting with precision. Watch the launch here.

Hypersonic missiles can fly at more than five times the speed of sound—more than 3,000 miles per hour—and have a range of over 930 miles. Hypersonic missiles are able to fly lower than ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. They are also highly precise, do not need to follow a predetermined trajectory, and can change course midflight. 

Saturday's test took place on Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of India's eastern state of Odisha. India now joins three countries—the US, Russia, and China—in demonstrating hypersonic capabilities. North Korea and Yemen's Houthis claim to possess hypersonic weapons; other countries—including Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea—are reportedly pursuing them.