Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 12 January 2026

DRDL conducts 12-minute ground test of actively-cooled scramjet combustor

Exam-focused facts from the 12 January 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully ran the full-scale combustor for over 12 minutes at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility.
  • The test validated the design of the actively-cooled scramjet combustor for hypersonic cruise missiles.
  • Hypersonic cruise missiles exceed five times the speed of sound (over 6,100 kmph) for extended periods.