New Delhi, June 10 — In a major boost to India’s strategic defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today unveiled its latest hypersonic missile system, ‘Gandiva’, named after the legendary bow of warrior Arjuna from the Mahabharata. Designed for rapid, high-precision strikes, the Gandiva missile is being hailed as a breakthrough in indigenous military technology.
Capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 7, the Gandiva missile can evade modern air defense systems and deliver precision payloads deep into hostile territory. Defense officials claim that the missile incorporates advanced stealth features, an AI-guided navigation system, and dual-mode propulsion, making it among the most sophisticated weapons in India’s arsenal.
“The successful development of Gandiva marks a new era for Indian defense preparedness. It combines speed, accuracy, and survivability like no other system we have developed,” said DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat during the press briefing in Hyderabad.
According to sources, Gandiva underwent multiple secret trial launches over the past year and successfully met all mission objectives, including high-speed maneuverability, deep strike range (estimated over 1,500 km), and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities.
While the Ministry of Defence did not disclose the exact deployment timeline, it is expected that Gandiva will soon be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces as part of a wider modernization program focusing on hypersonic and AI-integrated warfare systems.
Global defense analysts have taken note of the development, indicating a potential shift in South Asia’s strategic balance. “Gandiva could elevate India into the elite club of nations with operational hypersonic capabilities, alongside the U.S., Russia, and China,” noted defense expert Dr. Anuradha Joshi.
This announcement comes amidst increasing regional tensions and emphasizes India’s commitment to developing self-reliant, cutting-edge defense technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
