Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engines use atmospheric oxygen for combustion, enabling sustained flight at speeds exceeding Mach 5. The successful demonstration of an actively cooled, full-scale engine is critical for the development of hypersonic cruise missiles, which can travel at extremely high speeds while remaining maneuverable.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists and engineers, calling the achievement a significant boost to India’s strategic and technological capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat said the test reflected the organisation’s growing expertise in advanced propulsion systems and complex ground-test infrastructure. With this achievement, India moves closer to operationalizing indigenous hypersonic weapon systems, placing it among a select group of nations with proven scramjet propulsion technology.
