Russia recently showcased its military capabilities by firing a Zircon hypersonic missile during joint exercises with Belarus, aimed at enhancing military coordination against potential threats. The drills included the deployment of Su-34 fighter-bombers that conducted bombing strikes. Russian President Putin emphasized the missile’s speed and range, claiming it can travel at nine times the speed of sound with a striking capacity of over 1,000 km. While Russia asserts these exercises are defensive, they have led to heightened tensions with NATO, especially following recent drone incursions into Poland, prompting a U.S.-led military operation in response. This situation underscores the need for India to remain vigilant and bolster its own defense capabilities in the face of evolving regional threats.