Indian defense researchers are exploring the possibility of adapting the Extended Trajectory Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM) into an air-launched weapon capable of deployment from advanced fighter aircraft. The proposed design combines a Dual-Mode Ramjet propulsion system with a hypersonic Waverider aerodynamic configuration to achieve efficient sustained flight at extreme speeds. Launching the missile from airborne platforms would provide additional altitude and velocity advantages, significantly increasing operational reach and strike flexibility. Such a capability could allow Indian combat aircraft to engage heavily defended strategic targets, naval assets, and air-defense networks from stand-off distances while leveraging advanced indigenous hypersonic technologies.
