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Breaking News: India Conducts First Flight Test of New Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile off Indian Ocean Coast.
On November 12, 2024, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, using a mobile articulated launcher. Reports confirm that all subsystems performed as expected, achieving the primary mission objectives. This test represents a significant step for India in enhancing its self-reliance in defense technology and strengthening its strategic cruise missile capabilities.
The LRLACM is compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM), already in use for the BrahMos missile system, providing versatility for both naval and land operations (Picture source: DRDO)
Designed as a successor to the Nirbhay cruise missile, the LRLACM (Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile) is a precision weapon capable of reaching targets over 1,500 kilometers away. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru with support from other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, the LRLACM is equipped with advanced turbofan engines and foldable wings with a span of 2.7 meters. The missile, measuring 6 meters in length and 0.52 meters in diameter, weighs approximately one ton. It also features a sophisticated radio frequency (RF) seeker system, enhancing targeting accuracy.
The LRLACM is designed for deployment from both land-based platforms and naval vessels. It is compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM), already in use for the BrahMos missile system, providing versatility for both naval and land operations. This strategic project received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in August 2023, enabling rapid progression towards further testing and large-scale production.
During the November 12 test flight, the LRLACM demonstrated its ability to follow a preprogrammed flight path using waypoint navigation, executing complex maneuvers at various altitudes and speeds. The missile’s performance was closely monitored through a network of sensors, including radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry, deployed across various locations by the ITR, ensuring comprehensive tracking of the flight path. This data validated the missile's navigation and maneuverability, confirming its suitability for long-range strike missions.
The LRLACM’s propulsion system relies on the domestically developed Manik engine, also known as the Small Turbofan Engine (STFE). This engine has undergone extensive successful testing under the DRDO’s Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) program, aimed at validating the indigenous turbofan’s capabilities for military use. Earlier this year, DRDO confirmed that the STFE met all technical requirements, clearing the way for full integration with the LRLACM. Supported by discussions with three private companies interested in manufacturing this advanced cruise missile, the program is now progressing towards large-scale production.
The LRLACM’s development aligns with India’s broader defense strategy, focused on enhancing Indigenous capabilities and achieving greater strategic autonomy (Picture source: DRDO)
The LRLACM’s development aligns with India’s broader defense strategy, focused on enhancing indigenous capabilities and achieving greater strategic autonomy. With its long-range precision strike capability, this missile strengthens India’s deterrence capacity in a complex geopolitical environment. Its deployment within both naval and land forces adds a significant asset to India’s defense portfolio.
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction with the successful test, congratulating DRDO, the armed forces, and Indian industry partners. He emphasized that this milestone paves the way for future advancements in indigenous cruise missile technology, reinforcing India’s defensive and strategic posture. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also commended the teams involved, highlighting India’s commitment to investing in advanced defense technologies.
The Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) is part of India’s ballistic missile program aimed at bolstering national security and deterrence. Since the 1980s, India has developed a range of ballistic missiles, including the Prithvi and Agni series, covering short to intercontinental ranges. The LRLACM, as a long-range land attack cruise missile, complements this arsenal by providing precise, extended-range strike capability, enhancing India’s strategic flexibility. This initiative reflects India’s defense ambitions, aiming to modernize its armed forces, achieve technological self-sufficiency, and assert its role as a regional power. By developing advanced indigenous weapon systems like the LRLACM, India seeks to reduce reliance on arms imports and establish a robust defense posture in response to contemporary security challenges.