India Breaks Ground in Hypersonic Missile Development with Record-Breaking Scramjet Test

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In a major breakthrough, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor, marking a crucial milestone in the development of hypersonic missiles. The test, conducted on January 9, 2026, at the state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility in Hyderabad, achieved a record run time of over 12 minutes. The DRDO's subscale test conducted in April 2025 had already demonstrated the potential of the combustor, but this latest test solidifies India's position at the forefront of advanced aerospace capabilities. The hypersonic cruise missile, capable of exceeding five times the speed of sound, is a significant step forward in India's military capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, industry partners, and academia on the successful test, stating that it is a solid foundation for the nation's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Program. The achievement has been hailed as a testament to India's commitment to safeguarding national interests, with the Defence Minister citing the decisive role played by DRDO-developed weapon systems during Operation Sindoor. The successful test validates the design of the advanced scramjet combustor and the capabilities of the state-of-the-art test facility. The DRDO's achievement is a significant step forward in the development of hypersonic missiles, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for India's military capabilities.