Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons

India is advancing a wide range of indigenous defence technologies including hypersonic missiles, long-range air defence systems, and next-generation fighter aircraft, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. In an interview to NDTV, Dr. Kamat outlined DRDO’s current and future projects that aim to enhance India’s strategic deterrence and battlefield capabilities across air, land, and sea.

BrahMos and its smaller successor

A key focus area is the BrahMos missile, co-developed with Russia and currently launched from Su-30MKI fighter jets. To increase deployment flexibility, DRDO is working on BrahMos-NG, a next-generation variant designed to fit into more fighter platforms. BrahMos-NG is lighter and smaller, allowing wider deployment across India’s air fleet.

India’s hypersonic weapons programme

India is also developing two types of hypersonic weapons — a cruise missile and a glide vehicle. The glide vehicle project is at a more advanced stage. Dr. Kamat said, “We should be able to complete developmental trials in two to three years and then we can go for induction.”

For the hypersonic cruise missile, scramjet propulsion has already been successfully tested for 1,000 seconds. Full-scale development awaits government approval. Once cleared, it may take five to seven years to reach operational status.

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Air-to-air and air-to-ground missile upgrades

DRDO is extending its missile capabilities with new variants of the Astra air-to-air missile. The existing Mk-1 is in service, while Mk-2 and Mk-3 with longer range are under development. Meanwhile, the Rudram series of air-to-ground missiles is being upgraded. Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4 are in different stages of development.

Surface-to-air defence and anti-drone technologies

Under the Kusha programme, India is developing long-range surface-to-air missiles to match capabilities like the Russian S-400. The system is internally known as ‘Sudarshan Chakra’. In parallel, DRDO is also developing directed energy weapons including high-powered lasers and microwave systems to neutralise drones and other aerial threats.

Mobile artillery and light tanks

India’s indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is being adapted into a mobile version. Last year, the government approved a proposal for 814 truck-mounted, self-propelled 155mm gun systems costing around ₹15,000 crore. Apart from defence PSUs, private firms like Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge, and Mahindra Defence have been approached for participation.

Dr. Kamat also shared details about the light tank project named Zorawar. Built with L&T for high-altitude deployment along the border with China, the 25-tonne tank is expected to see 354 units inducted by the Indian Army.

Naval weapons nearing induction

For the Indian Navy, DRDO is developing torpedoes, naval mines, and other undersea warfare technologies. Dr. Kamat said many of these systems are “close to induction,” signalling near-term deployment of several indigenous maritime platforms.

Fifth-generation fighter response to China-Pakistan axis

Dr. Kamat commented on reports that Pakistan may receive 40 J-35 stealth aircraft from China by next year. India’s response is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which received formal sanction in 2024.

In a previous interview, Dr. Kamat said, “The AMCA will take 10 years to complete and would be ready by 2035.” According to an Economic Times report, the Indian Air Force is expected to procure six squadrons — around 120 aircraft.

Unlike the Tejas programme where HAL led manufacturing, AMCA will follow a new production model. The government has issued an expression of interest to bring in either HAL, a private firm, or a public-private joint venture as the lead production partner.

Lessons from recent operations

Dr. Kamat stressed the need for future weapons to operate without external support. Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, he said, “All weapons must function without GPS or communication,” highlighting DRDO’s focus on autonomous systems that can work in electronically denied environments.

India’s defence strategy is moving towards greater self-reliance and operational flexibility through indigenous technologies. The DRDO’s ongoing work across multiple platforms reflects a long-term commitment to building modern, multi-domain defence capabilities.