India Set to Reveal Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile on Republic Day 2026
India is set to introduce its Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM) to the public for the first time during the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this advanced missile will be showcased at Kartavya Path, signifying a pivotal development in India's demonstration of its strategic military capabilities.
The LRAShM, tailored to meet the operational demands of the Indian Navy, boasts an estimated range of approximately 1,500 kilometres. This extensive range enables it to target enemy warships throughout the Indian Ocean Region, enhancing India's maritime strike capability and deterrence, especially in the protection of vital sea lanes.
A defining characteristic of the missile is its hypersonic speed, enabling it to reach targets over long distances in a matter of minutes, potentially within 15 minutes. DRDO officials have highlighted that this speed, combined with an advanced flight profile, greatly decreases the chance of detection and interception by enemy radar and air defence systems, thus boosting its survivability in challenging environments.
The missile's use of hypersonic glide technology distinguishes it from conventional ballistic missiles. After launch, the glide vehicle travels at exceptionally high speeds with aerodynamic efficiency, allowing it to manoeuvre over long distances. This results in an unpredictable trajectory, making it significantly more challenging to track and intercept compared to traditional missile systems.
Though detailed specifications of the missile remain classified, it is believed to be capable of carrying various payloads, enabling it to target a broad range of naval threats. DRDO has indicated that the missile can defeat all classes of warships, offering the Indian Navy a formidable long-range option against surface combatants.
Hypersonic systems are seen as the future of advanced warfare, and DRDO is also developing hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies with potential future ranges extending to 3,000–3,500 kilometres as advancements continue.
Alongside the debut of the LRAShM, the Republic Day Parade will also feature the display of several other indigenous defence platforms. These include the Dhanush Gun System, Akash (L) Launcher, Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, and Akash missile variants, showcasing the depth and capability of India's domestic defence manufacturing sector.
The introduction of the LRAShM at the Republic Day Parade underscores India's increasing confidence in its homegrown, sophisticated military technologies, particularly in the maritime sector. This marks a significant advancement in speed, reach, and strategic deterrence.
