Archive · 10 Jan 2026
DRDO Achieves Milestone with Scramjet Engine Test
The DRDO, which is like India's science and technology team for defense, did a big test on a special engine part called a scramjet combustor.
This test is important because it helps India make faster and more powerful missiles.
The test was done in a special place in Hyderabad, and the defense minister said it was a big success.
This success means India is getting better at making really fast missiles that can go very high and far.
The engine can run for over 12 minutes, which is a really long time for such a powerful engine.
This makes India one of the few countries that can make these kinds of engines.
DRDO successfully conducted a ground test of an actively cooled scramjet full-scale combustor on 9 January 2026.
The test was performed at the state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility in Hyderabad.
The combustor achieved a run time of over 12 minutes, validating its design and the test facility's capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, highlighting its significance for India's hypersonic cruise missile development programme.
The successful test positions India among a select group of nations mastering hypersonic propulsion technology.
- Who
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its partners
- What
- Successfully conducted a ground test of an actively cooled scramjet full-scale combustor
- When
- 9 January 2026
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To advance India's hypersonic cruise missile development programme
Proponents of Hypersonic Technology
Critics of Military Advancements
Technological Advancement
Proponents of Hypersonic Technology
The successful test is a significant step forward in India's hypersonic missile capabilities, enhancing national security and technological prowess.
Critics of Military Advancements
The development of hypersonic missiles could escalate regional arms races and increase military tensions.
Self-Reliance in Defence
Proponents of Hypersonic Technology
This achievement strengthens India's self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies, reducing dependency on foreign imports.
Critics of Military Advancements
Investing heavily in hypersonic technology may divert resources from other critical areas like social welfare and infrastructure.
- Organization
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Location
- Hyderabad, India
- Test Conducted
- Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor
- Date
- 9 January 2026
- Facility
- Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility
- Run Time
- Over 12 minutes
- Significance
- Foundation for India's hypersonic cruise missile development
- Speed
- Over 6,100 km/h (five times the speed of sound)
Sources
DRDO achieves milestone: DRDL successfully conducts ground test of its actively cooled scramjet full scale combustor
DRDO conducts long-duration ground test of scramjet engine for hypersonic missiles
DRDO conducts successful ground test of full scale actively cooled long duration Scramjet Engine for Hypersonic Missile Programme
DRDO’s long-duration scramjet test boosts India’s hypersonic missile programme
India Conducts Ground Test Of Scramjet Engine For Hypersonic Missiles
In missile tech milestone, Scramjet combustor achieves run time of over 12 minutes
