DRDO’s Dhvani HGV Test: Mach 21 Leap in Hypersonic Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Dhvani Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) on October 20, 2025, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The vehicle achieved Mach 21 (25,900 km/h) over a 5,500 km trajectory, demonstrating boost-glide maneuverability and terminal-phase evasion against simulated ballistic missile defenses.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the milestone: “Dhvani places India among the top 3 nations in operational hypersonic technology” (PIB Release, 21 Oct 2025). The test validated scramjet-derived thermal protection and plasma-resistant materials, enabling sustained flight above 100 km altitude.

Dhvani uses a two-stage solid rocket booster, with the glide phase powered by aerodynamic lift. It executed three mid-course corrections and a 60° terminal dive, striking a target ship with <1-meter CEP. The system integrates with Netra Mk-1A AEW&C for real-time tracking via secure data links.

This breakthrough directly supports Project Kusha’s Kusha-3 variant—a 350 km hypersonic interceptor slated for DAC review in November 2025. DRDO’s Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI) leads the program, with contributions from IIT Madras and IISc Bengaluru.

The test aligns with the MoD’s 51% capital spend, which has funded ₹8,000 crore for hypersonic R&D since 2023. Dhvani’s dual-use design allows both offensive strike and defensive interception roles.

With China’s DF-17 and Russia’s Avangard in service, Dhvani ensures India closes the hypersonic gap. Future variants will integrate with BrahMos-armed Su-30MKIs for air-launched deployment. DRDO targets operational clearance by 2028, with 92% indigenous components.