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GS3 · Defence technology

DRDO runs scramjet combustor for over 12 minutes

1 min readMissiles
Battle IAS current affairs title card: DRDO runs scramjet combustor for over 12 minutes (GS3 · Defence technology, 9 January 2026)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20261 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

What happened

  • DRDL ran a long-duration ground test of its actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for over 12 minutes, for the hypersonic missile programme [PIB].

Background

  • A scramjet burns fuel in supersonic airflow and powers hypersonic cruise missiles (Mach 5+).

Why it matters

  • Long burn time is the hard part. It brings India closer to an operational hypersonic cruise missile.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Security; indigenisation of technology

  1. As per PIB (2026-01-09): DRDL ran a long-duration ground test of its actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for over 12 minutes, for the hypersonic missile programme.
  2. Long burn time is the hard part. It brings India closer to an operational hypersonic cruise missile.
Quotable data point

DRDL ran a long-duration ground test of its actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor for over 12 minutes, for the hypersonic missile programme.

PIB: Defence: Scramjet ground test, 9 Jan 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: Scramjet.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Test duration

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Lab

Answer (a) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Hypersonic means

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Official source: PIB: Defence: Scramjet ground test, 9 Jan 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending