DRDO showcased the LR-AShM hypersonic missile at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path. LR-AShM stands for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile. Notably, the missile appeared with its launcher. DRDO also presented a tableau on submarine technologies at Bharat Parv. So, both displays highlighted India’s growing naval strike power.
What Makes LR-AShM Special
DRDO built LR-AShM for the Indian Navy’s coastal battery needs. It is a hypersonic glide missile. Hence, it can hit both static and moving targets at sea. The missile starts at about Mach 10. Then, it keeps an average speed of Mach 5 with multiple skips.
How the Missile Flies
LR-AShM uses a two-stage solid rocket motor. After burnout, the first stage separates. Then, the glide vehicle flies at low altitude for most of its path. As a result, ground and ship radars struggle to detect it until late.
DRDO’s Submarine Technology Tableau
DRDO’s tableau carried the theme “Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines”. It appeared at Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from 26 to 31 January 2026. First, it showed the Integrated Combat Suite, built by eight DRDO labs. About 150 industry partners and MSMEs also helped build it. Second, it featured the Wire Guided Heavy Weight Torpedo. Finally, it showed the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This AIP uses a phosphoric acid fuel cell with an onboard hydrogen generator.
About DRDO and Hypersonic Tests
DRDO works under the Department of Defence Research and Development. It began in 1958. Earlier, on 16 November 2024, DRDO flight-tested a long-range hypersonic missile. The test took place from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha.
LR-AShM Hypersonic Missile: Key Facts for Revision
- Full form: Long Range Anti-Ship Missile
- Developer: DRDO, for Indian Navy coastal batteries
- Type: Hypersonic glide missile
- Speed: Starts near Mach 10, averages Mach 5
- Propulsion: Two-stage solid rocket motor
- Tableau theme: Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines
Why the LR-AShM Hypersonic Missile Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, missile systems remain a favourite topic in prelims. So, remember the LR-AShM full form, its speed and its naval role. Also, link the AIP display with India’s Kalvari-class submarines. For official updates, also visit DRDO. Next, for a related story, read about the DRDO TARA glide weapon trial.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.