India's Mach 8 Hypersonic Missile ET-LDHCM: Karachi in 10 Mins, Game Changer for Defense!

• DRDO successfully tested the ET-LDHCM (Extended Trajectory – Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile) on July 14, making India the fourth nation with operational hypersonic weapons.
• The missile travels at Mach 8 (9,800 km/h), has a 1,500 km range, and can reach Karachi from Delhi in under 10 minutes, carrying a 1,000-2,000 kg warhead.
• Its unique low-altitude, terrain-hugging flight and in-flight course correction make it extremely difficult for advanced air defense systems like S-400 or THAAD to intercept.
• Powered by an indigenous Scramjet engine and developed under 'Project Vishnu', ET-LDHCM is multi-platform launch capable (land, sea, air), offering unprecedented flexibility.
• Expected to be operational by 2030, this 'Game Changer' indigenous missile provides India with strategic deterrence and significantly strengthens its military position against adversaries.

Why It Matters: India's indigenous Mach 8 hypersonic missile ET-LDHCM is a game-changer, boosting defense and deterrence.