Dhvani flies at Mach 5 plus (over 7,400 km/h), faster than the BrahMos. It can also perform sharp midair maneuvers to evade ground level and air level defenses
India’s DRDO is expected to test its new hypersonic missile, Dhvani, by the end of 2025. It is expected to outperform BrahMos in speed and manoeuvrability. Designed to fly at over Mach 5 (more than 7,400 km/h), it is intended to be a next-generation weapon with advanced stealth and scramjet technology, making it difficult for air defenses to intercept and positioning India among a group of nations with advanced hypersonic capabilities.
Speed and capabilities: The missile is designed to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 7,400 km/h), surpassing the speed of existing missiles like the BrahMos. It can also perform sharp midair maneuvers to evade defenses.
Technology: Dhvani will utilize India’s Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program advancements, including scramjet propulsion. It is being developed with features like a thermal protection system and stealth-enhancing features to improve survivability.
Strategic importance: The development and testing of Dhvani are seen as a significant step in India’s defense capabilities, potentially boosting its strategic strike range and placing it in an exclusive group of countries with hypersonic weapons.
Operational timeline: While the test is planned for late 2025, operational deployment is anticipated by 2029–2030.
