Archive · 27 Jan 2026
India Unveils Hypersonic Missile and Bhairav Battalions
India showed off two big new things at the Republic Day Parade: a super-fast missile called the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and a new type of soldier group called the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
The missile can fly really fast—up to 10 times the speed of sound—and can hit targets far away.
It's special because it can fly low and change direction, making it hard for enemies to detect.
The Bhairav battalions are made up of about 250 soldiers who are trained to respond quickly to threats near the border.
They are lighter and faster than regular soldiers and can use drones and other high-tech tools to fight.
India is also working on even more advanced versions of this missile and other high-tech military equipment.
The missile and the battalions are expected to be ready for use in the next few years.
India showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) at the 77th Republic Day Parade.
The missile has a range of 1,500 kilometers and can fly at speeds up to Mach 10.
The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion made its debut at the parade, designed for rapid response and high-intensity operations.
Each Bhairav battalion comprises around 250 soldiers from various combat support arms.
The Indian Army is deploying Bhairav battalions in sensitive sectors such as Rajasthan, Jammu, Ladakh, and the Northeast.
- Who
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army
- What
- Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and Bhairav Light Commando Battalion debut
- When
- 77th Republic Day Parade, January 26, 2026
- Where
- Kartavya Path, New Delhi
- Why
- To showcase India's advancements in hypersonic missile technology and new rapid response military units
- Missile Name
- Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)
- Range
- 1,500 kilometers (with versions up to 3,500 km in development)
- Speed
- Mach 10 (starting) and average Mach 5
- Trajectory
- Quasi-ballistic with multiple skips
- Propulsion
- Two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system
- Detection
- Low-altitude flight makes it difficult for enemy radars to detect
- Strategic Use
- Sea denial operations in the Indian Ocean region
- Development Status
- Warhead and sensor integration underway; induction expected in 2-3 years
- Bhairav Battalion Size
- Around 250 soldiers per battalion
- Bhairav Battalion Composition
- Infantry, artillery, air defence, signals, and other combat support arms
- Bhairav Battalion Role
- Rapid response and high-intensity operations
- Bhairav Battalion Deployment
- Corps- and division-level formations in sensitive sectors
- Bhairav Battalion Training
- Intensive training and operational validation, including Exercise Akhand Prahar
Sources
DRDO’s hypersonic glide missile debuts at Republic Day parade: Its features, strategic significance
Republic Day 2026: DRDO displays long range hypersonic anti ship missile capability
India unveils first hypersonic missile at 77th Republic Day Parade: All you need to know about DRDO’s LRAShM, a game-changer for Indian Navy
Flies At Low Altitude, High Speed, 1,500 Km Range: DRDO Showcases Hypersonic Glide Missile On R-Day
Diplomacy Meets Fashion: EU Chief Steals The Show In Silk Brocade Outfit At Republic Day Parade
Seated In Third Row, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Attend R-Day Parade
Robotic Dogs, BrahMos, Anti-Drone Guns: Defence Technology That Was Displayed At India's 77th Republic Day Parade
Air Force's Subtle Message By Showcasing Unseen Weaponry On Fighter Jets
Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade
Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile Spotted At R-Day Parade
