Indian coastal missile system with hypersonic warhead LR-AShM
India's military-industrial complex independently develops and manufactures various types of missile weapons. In recent years, it has been working on a promising coastal missile system with a munition equipped with a hypersonic warhead. This system, known as the LR-AShM, has completed some testing and was recently unveiled for the first time at a public event. This demonstrates the project's current level of development and hints at its potential.
Hypersonic direction
As far as is known, Indian scientific and design organizations have been conducting research in hypersonic technologies since the late 2000s. By the mid-2010s, the necessary scientific and technical base had been established, allowing for the transition to the design of actual prototypes.
In 2017-18, the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ADL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with the support of several industrial enterprises, began developing an advanced missile and hypersonic warhead for it.
In the fall of 2022, it was announced that DRDO had completed the main design work. At that time, it was reported that a medium-range missile for engaging distant land targets had been developed. Furthermore, a high-performance anti-ship munition had been developed based on this missile.
However, in late 2023, the Indian Ministry of Defense published a defense review, clarifying information about current projects. It turned out that DRDO was developing two different missiles in parallel. The anti-ship munition and the system based on it were clearly designated the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM). The second product, intended for strategic forces, was designated BM-04 and was described as another member of the Agni family.
First results
The Ministry of Defense also announced that the first test launch of the new LR-AShM would take place in 2023, but did not provide a precise date. The results of this test also remain unknown.
Second LR-AShM test launch, November 2024
On November 16, 2024, the Abdul Kalam Island test site became the site for the second test launch. The LR-AShM prototype was deployed and launched toward a practice target at sea. The missile's flight was tracked using optical and radar systems. The missile completed its flight program: it followed the designated trajectory and ejected its hypersonic warhead. The latter performed the required maneuvers and landed in the designated area.
The second test launch was deemed successful. All components of the LR-AShM system performed as expected and confirmed their design characteristics. The proper operation of the hypersonic payload was of particular importance.
As far as is known, no new field tests with full-scale launches have been conducted since then. However, the results already obtained have allowed the project to move to the next stage.
Plans for the future
In October 2025, ADL management announced that, following testing, the missile system would enter small-scale production. In the near future, Bharat Dynamics Limited is expected to manufacture several systems and missiles for additional testing, pilot operations, and other purposes. However, the required number of LR-AShM systems and their components was not specified.
The LR-AShM missile is expected to be fielded within the second half of the decade. The Army plans to operate it as part of a coastal missile system. In recent years, various statements have mentioned the possibility of developing a naval version of the missile, as well as a submarine-launched version. The feasibility of these proposals remains to be seen.
Not long ago, the Ministry of Defence and the DRDO unveiled the land-based system to the public for the first time. On January 26, 2026, a military parade was held in New Delhi to mark Republic Day. The mechanized parade column included various modern developments, including the LR-AShM. The new missile was displayed in a lidless transport and launch container.
In land-based version
The LR-AShM project developed a mobile land-based missile system with a unique munition and a set of auxiliary equipment. This system can independently move between launch sites and, after the required preparations, launch a missile.
In its current version, the system is conceived as a coastal defense system. In this role, high mobility and the ability to quickly reach the desired coastal area are critical.
The launcher is built on a Tata LPTA 12x12 chassis. These vehicles are already used in the construction of a number of systems for the Indian Army. The chassis features a cabover configuration with crew stations and a rear platform housing all necessary components, including the launcher. It is powered by a 600 hp diesel engine, providing excellent mobility on both highways and off-road.
In photographs from the 2024 tests, another vehicle with a container or a van-like cabin can be seen next to the launcher. This could be the self-propelled control post responsible for preparing and launching the missile.
The combat vehicle's cargo platform features a hydraulically powered elevating launcher. The transport and launch container (TLC) containing the missile is secured to it. During launch preparation, the TLC is raised to a vertical position and placed with its bottom on the ground.
The LR-AShM missile has a two-stage design and carries a detachable warhead. The hypersonic vehicle is mounted openly and without a fairing, giving the missile its distinctive appearance. The assembled munition has an overall length of approximately 14 meters with a maximum diameter of 1,4 meters. Its launch weight is 20 tons.
According to some reports, the LR-AShM is based on the K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile. It shares its two-stage bodies with solid-fuel motors and other components. However, the missile has a new warhead section with warhead attachment devices.
The missile's combat stage is built in a spindle-shaped body and features a low-aspect-ratio trapezoidal wing. The tail houses delta rudders. The missile's dimensions, weight, and payload have not yet been released. It is equipped with satellite and inertial navigation systems for target acquisition. An active radar seeker is responsible for target acquisition and guidance. This seeker is reportedly based on components from the BrahMos missile.
Using a two-stage rocket, the hypersonic warhead accelerates to a speed of Mach 9-10 and enters the calculated trajectory. After separation from the launch vehicle, it begins an independent gliding flight. The gradual decrease in speed during unpowered flight can likely be compensated for by an altitude maneuver.
The LR-AShM missile is reportedly capable of striking targets at a range of at least 1500 km. It is claimed to be capable of engaging both stationary and mobile targets.
Precise information about the hypersonic missile's payload is lacking. The use of a conventional warhead is mentioned, but its type and mass are unknown. It can be assumed, however, that the weapon's power is largely determined by its speed and kinetic energy.
Made in India
The Indian military-industrial complex, meeting the demands of the country's leadership, is striving to explore new areas. In particular, over the past two decades, it has been studying hypersonic technologies and developing its own equipment based on them.
DRDO and related organizations have now achieved the first tangible results. They have developed and successfully tested a missile with a hypersonic payload. The LR-AShM will soon undergo additional testing and other procedures before entering service.
According to official reports, the LR-AShM missile passed the tests and confirmed its expected performance. If the recent tests were indeed carried out without any serious difficulties or problems, this should be considered a significant achievement for Indian industry. It appears that they have truly succeeded in developing something fundamentally new. weapon and avoid unexpected problems.
However, for now, we're only talking about isolated test launches in a controlled test range. It's time for the LR-AShM to reach full operational use in the military and be used by combat crews in various exercises. At that stage, the true potential of the new Indian development and its overall prospects will become clear.
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