India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). The test took place on Tuesday, with the missile launched from a mobile land platform off the coast of Odisha. This significant milestone showcases India’s advancements in indigenous missile technology.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the LRLACM exhibited impressive maneuverability at various altitudes and speeds during the flight test. All sub-systems operated as expected, achieving the primary mission objectives. The missile adeptly followed its intended trajectory through way point navigation and demonstrated its capability to execute various maneuvers throughout the flight.
The development of the LRLACM involved contributions from several DRDO laboratories, with the Aeronautical Development Establishment leading the project. State-owned defense firms, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, also played critical roles in the missile’s development and integration, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.
The Indian government’s Defence Acquisition Council has already approved and allocated funds for the missile’s acquisition, which marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.
The LRLACM is an enhanced version of the Nirbhay long-range cruise missile, which was first tested back in 2013. The DRDO completed the Nirbhay project in 2023 after finishing its sixth development trial, paving the way for the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) project. This project features a domestically-developed turbofan engine, referred to as Manik, which is integral to the new missile.
The LRLACM’s design allows for launch from both land and sea-based platforms, boasting an impressive reported range of over 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621 miles). Its precision targeting capabilities are geared towards high-value enemy targets, including command and control centers and weapons depots located deep within enemy territory.
In the coming months, DRDO plans to conduct approximately 20 additional flight trials of the LRLACM before the missile enters into production, further solidifying India’s position in advanced missile technology development.
