### India Achieves Major Milestone in Hypersonic Missile Development with Successful Scramjet Engine Test The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has reached a significant milestone in its hypersonic missile program by successfully conducting a long-duration ground test of a full-scale, actively cooled scramjet engine. This test, which took place on January 9, 2026, at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility in Hyderabad, lasted over 12 minutes, marking a critical advancement in hypersonic propulsion technology. The successful test positions India among a select group of nations with advanced capabilities in hypersonic technology, enhancing its strategic defense posture and technological prowess in aerospace [https://idrw.org/drdo-conducts-successful-ground-test-of-full-scale-actively-cooled-long-duration-scramjet-engine-for-hypersonic-missile-programme, https://www.republicworld.com/defence/drdo-achieves-success-with-scramjet-engine-test-paving-way-for-hypersonic-cruise-missiles]. ### Breakdown of the Hypersonic Scramjet Engine Test 1. **Test Overview** - The DRDO's Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) conducted the test, achieving a runtime of over 12 minutes, which is crucial for validating the design and functionality of the scramjet combustor [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-conducts-crucial-scramjet-engine-test-for-hypersonic-missile-programme-101768018369050.html]. 2. **Significance of the Achievement** - This successful test is a foundational step for India's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme, which aims to develop missiles capable of sustained speeds exceeding Mach 5 [https://www.themanufacturingfrontier.com/drdo-conducts-successful-ground-test-of-full-scale-actively-cooled-long-duration-scramjet-engine-for-hypersonic-missile-programme]. 3. **Government and Expert Reactions** - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, highlighting its importance in advancing India's aerospace technology and defense capabilities [https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/drdos-hyderabad-lab-successfully-conducts-crucial-scramjet-engine-test-for-hypersonic-missile-program]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Test Duration**: The scramjet engine was successfully tested for over **12 minutes**, a critical duration for validating its operational capabilities [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-conducts-key-test-of-scramjet-engine-101767983756482.html]. - **Technological Implications**: The test positions India among elite nations with advanced hypersonic propulsion technologies, enhancing its strategic military capabilities [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/india-hypersonic-scramjet-engine-test-success-sn24n8wu]. - **Future Prospects**: The successful test is expected to pave the way for the development of operational hypersonic cruise missiles, which can travel at speeds greater than 6,100 km/h [https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/drdo-achieves-breakthrough-in-hypersonic-missile-development-with-long-duration-scramjet-test/article70491343.ece]. ### Conclusion: A Step Forward in Hypersonic Technology In summary, the DRDO's successful long-duration ground test of the scramjet engine represents a **major breakthrough** in India's hypersonic missile development. This achievement not only validates the design of the scramjet combustor but also enhances India's position in global aerospace technology. The implications of this test are profound, as it lays the groundwork for future advancements in hypersonic weapons, which are critical for national defense. 1. **Milestone Achieved**: Successful 12-minute test of scramjet engine. 2. **Strategic Importance**: Positions India among elite nations in hypersonic technology. 3. **Future Development**: Paves the way for operational hypersonic cruise missiles. This development underscores India's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities and maintaining a competitive edge in aerospace technology [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3765481-india-achieves-major-hypersonic-breakthrough-with-12-minute-full-scale-scramjet-engine-test].