On the 77th Republic Day, the Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the developing Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The system was presented by Scientist and Project Director A Prasad Goud and is being developed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
The LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets at ranges of up to 1,500 kilometres. It is designed to carry multiple payload configurations and follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory. The missile reaches speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintains an average speed of around Mach 5 with multiple skips during flight.
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According to DRDO, the missile’s low-altitude flight profile, combined with high speed and manoeuvrability, makes it difficult for enemy ground-based and ship-based radars to detect during most of its trajectory. The system is powered by a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor. With this development, India has joined a select group of nations possessing hypersonic missile technology.
India’s mechanised and special forces capabilities were also on display at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. Leading the mechanised column was the T-90 Bhishma main battle tank of the 77 Armoured Regiment, commanded by Captain Vipanjot Singh Virk. The tank, based on the Hunter-Killer concept, is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, machine guns and laser-guided missiles with a strike range of up to five kilometres.
The upgraded T-90 Bhishma, equipped with enhanced firepower, mobility and drone-enabled surveillance, has demonstrated operational effectiveness in high-altitude conditions and during Operation Sindoor. Raised in 1972, the 77 Armoured Regiment operates under the motto ‘Vijay Ya Veergati’.
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The indigenously developed Arjun Mk I main battle tank, led by Maj Hitesh Mehta of the 75 Armoured Regiment, was also showcased. The Arjun Mk I features a 120-mm rifled gun, advanced fire-control systems, Kanchan armour and nuclear, biological and chemical protection, reflecting India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage at the National War Memorial, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal APS Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
The parade featured the ‘Dhwaj Formation’ aerial display, with four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit flying in an inverted Y formation while carrying the National Ensign and the service flags of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attending as chief guests. The event highlighted India’s military strength, technological advancement, cultural diversity and commitment to self-reliance.
(With ANI inputs)
Published: 26 Jan 2026, 12:32 pm IST
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