Indian Missiles News & Discussions - 30 June 2022

[uddu]

There is a mention of a longer range land variant with 3500km. The air launched and Ship launched variants could be with a shorter booster. The ship launched variant will need a large destroyer of the upcoming P18 class. This could also help release some of the coastal batteries being operated with Brahmos for other uses.

India’s New Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile Shown Off During Military Parade
https://www.twz.com/land/indias-new-hyp ... ary-parade
26 Jan 2026

The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile has an intriguing configuration and is focused on Chinese and Pakistani naval threats.

https://x.com/VinodDX9/status/2015771727561916470
@VinodDX9
Two updates on LRAShM (HGM)

1) range to be increased eventually
2) air-launched and ship-launched variants are being configured

[uddu]

Astra MK1 Range 160 km | How? | Astra MK2 induction in 2026
Cohesive fractures, those occurring within or through a homogeneous material, should be
considered from two viewpoints. For fractures where initial flaw size does not influence
crack initiation, one of the classical failure criteria should be used. The calculated motor
stress or strain states judged to be most severe should be compared with corresponding
failure stress or strain states evaluated by tests; recommended tests for several characteristic
stress states are prescribed in table VI. For fractures where the geometry (initial flaw) is
influential, an energy balance with the characteristic strain-energy release rate should be
used.

[Prem Kumar]

DRDO flaunting that Mk1 can be extended to 160 Km, Mk2 is coming end of year and Mk3 in 2 years - is counterproductive

The IAF will sit on its hands and give token order for Mk1, another token for Mk1-extended. Say we are waiting for Mk2. Then a token order for Mk2, saying that China supplied 300 Km range missile to Pakis. Then wait 2 years for Mk3

Meanwhile, emergency import the latest R-77 MKVAADRJUX model, which on paper has 400 Km range, but can't hit a tanker at 50 Kms

Or order 50 Meteors because we can't afford more. Mothball them like in Op Sindoor, when not even a single one was fired

[drnayar]

There is a mention of a longer range land variant with 3500km. The air launched and Ship launched variants could be with a shorter booster. The ship launched variant will need a large destroyer of the upcoming P18 class. This could also help release some of the coastal batteries being operated with Brahmos for other uses.

India’s New Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile Shown Off During Military Parade
https://www.twz.com/land/indias-new-hyp ... ary-parade
26 Jan 2026

How does it get targeting real time data at such extreme ranges ?

[SRajesh]

https://x.com/i/status/2016123218550259730
Found this on X.
as per this video we have reverse engineered the chemical mix to achieve bigger range for Astra both M1 and M2 as well as Gandiv by using the newer chemical mix!!

[uddu]

https://x.com/i/status/2016123218550259730
Found this on X.
as per this video we have reverse engineered the chemical mix to achieve bigger range for Astra both M1 and M2 as well as Gandiv by using the newer chemical mix!!

Here are news report before Operation Sindoor happened. News report from 2024. All these report hint at Astra MK2 to join in 2027. There is no change in the Schedule even now. If you are introducing something new, everything need tested from scratch and will extend the date to 2028 or so. This is not the case here. The Dual Pulse motor tech got introduced to Astra because it became successful in Akash NG and before that in MRSAM.
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-det ... d-in-2027/

DRDO Set to Complete Astra Mk-2 BVR Missile Trials by 2026, Full-Scale Production Expected in 2027
https://defence.in/threads/drdo-to-conc ... 2027.9966/

Last Updated : 15 September 2024, 20:40 IST
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/upgr ... rs-3191961

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/JaidevJamwal/status/20160 ... 73097?s=20 ---> LRAShM with 1500 km range, when stationed in Lakshdweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands provides a formidable sea-denial capability to India over a vast area. Brand new Chinese naval base in Cambodia is within strike range comfortably.

[SRajesh]

Udfduji
Apart from the rhetorics of the ongoing or already done improvements, but is there any truth to the reverse engineering of the chemical mix!!

[uddu]

Udfduji
Apart from the rhetorics of the ongoing or already done improvements, but is there any truth to the reverse engineering of the chemical mix!!

Logically thinking 145 km is the range of PL-15E variant exported to Pakistan. Astra MK1 being smaller in diameter and length gives range to 160 km. So if we have copied the Chinese, our missile range should be going down to 125-130 for being smaller and not increasing to 160km. The other aspects of Chemical mix etc can be better answered by Gurus on this forum.

[uddu]

https://x.com/JaidevJamwal/status/20160 ... 73097?s=20 ---> LRAShM with 1500 km range, when stationed in Lakshdweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands provides a formidable sea-denial capability to India over a vast area. Brand new Chinese naval base in Cambodia is within strike range comfortably.

Aircraft carriers are made obsolete by this missile even if launched from land. The 3500 km variant will give complete dominance over IOR.

[uddu]

How does it get targeting real time data at such extreme ranges ?

10 MACH Hypersonic Glide Missile navigation and avionics explained
The DRDO will showcase LR-AShM with launcher during the parade. This weapon system is designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy. The LR-AShM is a Hypersonic Glide Missile capable of engaging static and moving targets and is designed to carry various payloads. The missile is a first-of-its-kind with indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages.

This hypersonic missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory with hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining average Mach 5.0 with multiple skips. Indigenously developed sensors are provided for engaging the moving targets in the terminal phase. As this missile flies in low altitude with high speed and manoeuvrability, enemy ground and ship based radars cannot detect this missile during most of its trajectory.

The LR-AShM is configured with a two stage solid propulsion rocket motor system. These propulsion systems boost the missile to the required hypersonic velocities. Stage-1 of the vehicle is separated after it is spent. After Stage-II burnout, the vehicle performs an unpowered glide with required manoeuvres in the atmosphere before engaging the target.

[uddu]

India’s Phase 3 BMD: DRDO Develops AD-AH and AD-AM Anti-Hypersonic Interceptors to Counter Next-Gen Threats
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-det ... n-Threats/

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program by entering Phase 3, which focuses on addressing the growing threat posed by hypersonic weapons. This ambitious phase includes the development of two advanced interceptor systems: the AD-AH (Anti-Hypersonic) and AD-AM (Anti-Maneuvering) interceptors. These systems aim to counter hypersonic projectiles that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and pose a unique challenge due to their manoeuvrability and atmospheric flight paths.

The Challenge of Hypersonic Weapons
Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs) represent a new frontier in modern warfare. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable trajectory, HGVs and HCMs can perform evasive maneuvers, making them highly unpredictable. Their ability to operate within the Earth’s atmosphere further complicates interception since most traditional missile defence systems are optimized for exo-atmospheric engagements.

AD-AH and AD-AM: A Leap in Missile Defence
The AD-AH and AD-AM interceptors are being developed to address these challenges head-on:

AD-AH Interceptor:
Designed specifically to neutralize hypersonic glide vehicles, the AD-AH interceptor can track and engage targets that rapidly change direction during flight. Its advanced radar systems and guidance mechanisms ensure precision in intercepting these agile threats.

AD-AM Interceptor:
Tailored for hypersonic cruise missiles, the AD-AM is built to detect and destroy missiles flying at extremely high speeds within the atmosphere. Its ability to counter the complex flight paths of these missiles makes it a formidable defence tool.

Both interceptors will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including advanced heat-resistant materials to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during high-speed engagements and propulsion systems capable of matching the velocity of hypersonic threats.

Key Specifications (Expected):
While official details remain classified, analysts speculate the following features for the AD-AH and AD-AM systems:

Speed: Capable of engaging targets at speeds up to Mach 8-10.
Range: Estimated engagement range of 300-500 kilometers.
Radar and Sensors: Advanced phased-array radars and infrared sensors for real-time tracking and target acquisition.
Heat Resistance: Specially designed heat-shielding to endure atmospheric friction during interception.
Manoeuvrability: Superior thrust-vectoring capabilities to handle rapid direction changes.

[Cain Marko]

There is a mention of a longer range land variant with 3500km. The air launched and Ship launched variants could be with a shorter booster. The ship launched variant will need a large destroyer of the upcoming P18 class. This could also help release some of the coastal batteries being operated with Brahmos for other uses.

How does it get targeting real time data at such extreme ranges ?

I guess that most of it's trajectory will be high altitude and semi ballistic, it might do pop ups too for MCUs. But I doubt it this will be needed since it moves so fast. The last phase will not require much off board guidance since it's extreme speed will bring it within range for onboard sensors to lock on to the target.

Let's say a p8 or mq9 find and relay targeting info of enemy ship 1000km away to lrashm battery. In seconds the missile is away. At m10 and cruising altitude of over 30km, it'll cover 70% of that distance in about 3.5 min. No way a ships sensors maintain enough tracking on it to fire any sams because of los. If aew helps the ship, it might get some tracking but doubtful if it's enough to lock on. At this point the missile will probably dive low and fly low for the remaining 1.5 odd minutes based on ins/gps with on board seekers activated.

The target at 30knts will literally have no more than 5 minutes of travel time from detection to impact. How much can it travel in that distance? Nothing, tops 5km. The missilrg will find it and course correct if necessary.

It's a frickin end game missile.

I always thought the shaurya will be used for such roles. But this is next level. Congrats to the developers, absolute lungi dance moment.

[Manish_Sharma]

Udfduji
Apart from the rhetorics of the ongoing or already done improvements, but is there any truth to the reverse engineering of the chemical mix!!

Logically thinking 145 km is the range of PL-15E variant exported to Pakistan. Astra MK1 being smaller in diameter and length gives range to 160 km. So if we have copied the Chinese, our missile range should be going down to 125-130 for being smaller and not increasing to 160km. The other aspects of Chemical mix etc can be better answered by Gurus on this forum.

Very true:
https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/2015 ... 41203?s=20

Ops Sindoor was in May 2025
We recovered an intact PL-15.

Now suddenly, in 2–4 months, a new propellant is ready for testing and production? Itni fast reverse engineering

Who are these geniuses, and kaha se aate hain?

Propellant development isn’t jugaad.
It’s the work of decades chemistry, aging, stability, burn-rate control, grain geometry.

[pravula]

What chemistry are you all talking about? We knew what chemicals went into a cryo engine, and how long did it take us to develop an engine? Remember, we also had working COTS engines from Russia. This seems like some dude just got a sample masala mix from local briyani place and thats all it takes to make the same dish...