DRDO Achieves Breakthrough With Long-Duration Scramjet Engine Test

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has marked a major achievement in its hypersonic missile programme with the successful long-duration test of its scramjet engine. Conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test facility in Hyderabad on January 9, 2026, the test ran for over 720 seconds, validating the design and endurance of the actively cooled scramjet combustor.  

The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based wing of DRDO, led the effort. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the breakthrough as a “path-breaking milestone” in India’s aerospace journey, noting that it builds upon earlier subscale tests conducted in April 2025. The scramjet engine’s ability to sustain extreme thermal and mechanical stresses is seen as a critical step toward deploying hypersonic cruise missiles capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5.  

Key Highlights  

• 12-minute scramjet engine ground test conducted at DRDL Hyderabad  
• Actively cooled scramjet combustor validated for endurance and performance  
• Builds upon earlier subscale test from April 2025  
• Paves way for hypersonic cruise missiles with speeds above Mach 5  
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calls it a path-breaking milestone  

Final Takeaway  
The successful scramjet test marks India’s entry into the elite hypersonic technology club. With this achievement, DRDO has strengthened India’s strategic capabilities, laying the foundation for advanced missile systems that will enhance national defence and global positioning in aerospace innovation.  

Sources: ANI, Firstpost, Ministry of Defence, The Hindu