The LRAShM’s Republic Day debut sends a clear message: India’s maritime borders are guarded by 21st-century science and indigenous innovation, reflecting a confident nation ready to secure its interests on the global stage
India is set to unveil a major milestone in its defence journey with the first public showcase of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM) during the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026. The debut of this indigenously developed hypersonic weapon system is being seen as far more than a ceremonial display—it marks a decisive statement of India’s growing technological sovereignty and maritime strength.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with domestic industry partners at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, the LRAShM represents a quantum leap in India’s naval strike capabilities. Designed as a boost-glide hypersonic system, the missile is capable of neutralising high-value naval targets such as aircraft carriers and destroyers from long stand-off distances, significantly enhancing India’s deterrence posture in the Indian Ocean Region.
Often described by defence analysts as a “carrier-killer” class missile, the LRAShM places India in an elite group of nations—including the United States, Russia and China—that have successfully developed advanced hypersonic anti-ship weapons. Its induction underscores India’s transition from a regional power to a credible global player in cutting-edge missile technology.
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The missile travels at speeds reaching Mach 10, or over 3.3 kilometres per second, making it extremely difficult to detect, track or intercept using existing missile defence systems
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With an operational range of up to 1,500 kilometres, the LRAShM allows the Indian Navy to project power far beyond its immediate maritime boundaries
Precision is a key strength of the system. The missile is equipped with advanced X-band synthetic aperture radar and monopulse homing seekers, enabling it to perform terminal manoeuvres and accurately strike fast-moving targets at sea. It is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, adding flexibility to India’s strategic options.
The LRAShM also strengthens India’s “sea denial” strategy by posing a credible threat to adversary naval forces operating in contested waters. It serves as a direct counter to Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategies employed by rival powers to restrict freedom of navigation. Built using specialised heat-resistant materials, the missile can withstand extreme temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius during hypersonic flight.
In terms of deployment, the LRAShM offers dual-launch capabilities. It can be deployed from land-based mobile autonomous launchers positioned along India’s coastline, creating a protective maritime shield, and is expected to be integrated into frontline warships and vertical launch systems in the future, adding a mobile offensive edge to the Navy.
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