The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on November 12, 2024. This achievement is not merely another success in missile testing; it represents a critical advancement in India’s defense capabilities, significantly enhancing the nation’s conventional deterrence posture.
In a press release from the Ministry of Defence, it was confirmed that all missile subsystems operated as anticipated, fulfilling the primary mission objectives throughout the test. The LRLACM adeptly followed its intended flight path utilizing waypoint navigation, showcasing its ability to execute various maneuvers at different altitudes and speeds.
The development of the LRLACM was initiated to address specific qualitative requirements (QRs) presented to the DRDO by the Indian Navy (IN). The missile’s conceptualization was first announced during the DefExpo 2020, and by July 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council had approved its acquisition by both the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The LRLACM is essentially an evolution of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), which originated from the DRDO’s Nirbhay project, allowing for accelerated development testing.
A total of approximately 20 developmental flights are planned for the LRLACM, primarily relying on indigenous components and systems, though certain small sensors and Ring Laser Gyros (RLGs) may be sourced externally. Following the successful completion of these trials, it is anticipated that the Indian Navy will place an order worth Rs 5,000 crore for 200 LRLACMs with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru—both designated as Development-Cum-Production Partners (DCPPs) for the missile.
The LRLACM boasts an impressive operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Its design allows it to follow a terrain-hugging flight profile, effectively evading radar detection, and adjusting its trajectory to circumvent enemy air defenses, obstacles, and uneven terrain. The missile is equipped with an RF seeker for terminal homing, which is similar to systems developed for the BrahMos missile, enabling precise strikes on stationary targets.
The LRLACM can be launched from mobile ground-based platforms as well as from frontline naval vessels using a Universal Vertical Launcher Module (UVLM), a technology developed and patented by BrahMos Aerospace. This launcher is already installed on 30 ships within the Indian Navy, enhancing the missile’s versatility and deployment options.
In addition to the LRLACM, the DRDO is also developing a submarine-launched variant of the ITCM, known as the Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), which was sanctioned in 2017. Like the LRLACM, the SLCM has a range of 1,000km. Prior tests of submarine-launched missiles, including the BrahMos variant, have demonstrated the feasibility of launching these munitions from submerged platforms.
Recent reports have indicated plans for the SLCM to be first tested on Russian-origin Sindhughosh-class (Kilo-class) submarines. There are discussions about developing a variant of the Kilo-class with a Vertical Launch System (VLS) that could potentially accommodate both the BrahMos and the SLCM, thereby significantly increasing the operational flexibility of India’s underwater capabilities.
Overall, the DRDO’s success with the LRLACM is a notable step towards bolstering India’s defense strategy, empowering the Indian Armed Forces with a range of sophisticated missile technologies that were once considered aspirational. The successful navigation of the challenges associated with missile development signals a robust technological advancement and enhanced strategic deterrence capabilities for the nation.
