Nuclear-armed India has tested its first hypersonic missile, the defence minister said on Sunday, publicising the superfast hi-tech weapon days after its regional rival China showcased its latest military aviation powers.

India conducted its first successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile, bringing the country a step closer toward deploying a high-tech weapon that’s in the arsenal of only a handful of countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies.

Test took place from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha state marks India's entry into elite circle of countries

Indian media reports that the country has successfully tested its advanced hypersonic missile with a range of over 1,500 kilometers. According to India Today, the hypersonic missile was tested on Saturday on Abdul Kalam Island, off the eastern coast of Odisha state.

The hypersonic missile is designed to carry several payloads for ranges greater than 1500 km. It can be used by all the services of the Indian Armed Forces

India has successfully conducted its first test of a long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. The test occurred on November 16, 2024, at Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal.

India has successfully tested a domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile, it said on Sunday, attaining a key milestone in military development that puts it in a small group of nations possessing the advanced technology.

Odisha: The Defence Research and Development Organization of India successfully conducted a flight trial of its long-range hypersonic missile on 16th November from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, on the coast of Odisha.