India says it has successfully test-fired its first domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile. This comes as the US, Russia, China and others race to develop these so-called game-changer weapons.

The missile was fired Saturday from an island off the coast of Odisha, eastern India.

India's defense ministry says it can carry various payloads for ranges over 1,500 kilometers.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the test "a historic moment" in a post on X. He said the achievement has put India in a group of "select nations" with advanced military technologies.

Hypersonic missiles are hard to detect and intercept. They travel at five times the speed of sound or more, at low altitudes for long periods. They can also change course midflight.

India's move is seen as a demonstration of its ability to counter China.