India conducted its first successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile, bringing the country a step closer toward deploying a high-tech weapon that’s in the arsenal of only a handful of countries.

The hypersonic missile is designed to carry several payloads for ranges greater than 1500 km. It can be used by all the services of the Indian Armed Forces

India has successfully carried out the flight trial of the country's first long-range hypersonic missile. The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday (16 November) from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

Nuclear-armed India has tested its first hypersonic missile, the defence minister said Sunday, publicising the super-fast high-tech weapon days after rival China showcased its latest military aviation powers.

What makes the supersonic weapon deadly is its manoeuvrability & unpredictability. It can change course even mid-way, thus making its interception and early detection difficult.

According to the Atlantic Council, only the United States, China, and Russia have demonstrated hypersonic capabilities. North Korea and the Houthis in Yemen have also claimed to have test-fired such missiles.

The successful trial, conducted on Saturday night, demonstrated the missile’s ability to cover distances of over 1500 km, capable of carrying multiple payloads.