Published: 8 January 2026PIBGeneral
DRDO Successfully Tests Full-Scale Scramjet Engine for Over 12 Minutes at Hyderabad
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor at its Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility in Hyderabad on January 9, 2026. The engine demonstrated sustained operation for over 12 minutes, validating both the advanced combustor design and test infrastructure.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,100 km/h) and rely on air-breathing scramjet engines that use atmospheric oxygen for combustion, enabling longer ranges and lighter vehicle designs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed it as a 'solid foundation' for India's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme. The successful test positions India at the forefront of advanced aerospace capabilities. The test built upon earlier milestones — a 120-second scramjet run in January 2025 and a more-than-1,000-second subscale combustor ground test on April 25, 2025.
Mains angle
Q: DRDO successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of its scramjet engine in January 2026, sustaining operation for over 12 minutes. Examine the strategic importance of hypersonic technology for India's defence preparedness.
Answer (50 words):
On January 9, 2026, DRDO's Defence Research and Development Laboratory successfully tested its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor at Hyderabad, sustaining operation for over 12 minutes. Scramjet engines power hypersonic missiles exceeding Mach 5. This milestone strengthens India's Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme, building on earlier 2025 tests.
6-axis classification
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Linked questionMedium
DRDO's full-scale scramjet engine test at Hyderabad demonstrated sustained operation for over how many minutes?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor demonstrated sustained operation for over 12 minutes at DRDL's Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility in Hyderabad on January 9, 2026.
