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TheAcademy . 13/11/2024 6:13 PM
In a significant leap toward bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on November 12, 2024, off the coast of Odisha. The 1,000 km-range missile, launched from a mobile platform at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, met all its mission objectives, marking a major milestone in the country’s missile development program.
The successful test of the LRLACM is a key moment in India's pursuit of self-reliance in missile technology and defence systems. The missile, a new variant of the Nirbhay cruise missile, features advanced avionics, enhanced waypoint navigation, and improved software, elevating its capabilities and operational flexibility.
Launched from a mobile articulated launcher, the LRLACM demonstrated its ability to perform complex flight maneuvers while navigating across various altitudes and speeds. Throughout its flight path, the missile's performance was meticulously tracked using radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry, ensuring that all mission parameters were met successfully.
Range: The missile boasts an impressive range of 1,000 km, making it a formidable asset in long-range strike capabilities.
Advanced Avionics: The missile integrates state-of-the-art avionics, enhancing its accuracy and reliability during operations.
Waypoint Navigation: The missile successfully navigated through pre-designated waypoints, showcasing its ability to follow a precise flight path.
Launch Flexibility: The missile can be launched from both mobile platforms and frontline ships, providing India with versatile and adaptable strike capabilities.
The LRLACM was developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, with significant support from various DRDO laboratories, as well as Indian defence industry leaders. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru played a crucial role in the development, integration, and testing of the missile’s systems.
This successful test marks the culmination of years of research and development, reflecting the collaboration between DRDO and Indian industry partners in advancing the nation’s missile technology.
The successful flight-test of the LRLACM highlights India’s increasing capabilities in developing long-range, precision-guided munitions. With the missile's extended range and advanced navigation systems, it significantly enhances India's strategic deterrence and offensive capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, stating that the successful test “marks a defining moment in the country’s defence development journey.” He further emphasized that the missile is part of the Defence Acquisition Council-approved Mission Mode Project, which underscores India's commitment to enhancing indigenous defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
The successful launch of the LRLACM positions India as a key player in the field of advanced cruise missile technology. The missile’s impressive performance will pave the way for the development of future missile systems, not only strengthening national security but also contributing to the country’s broader technological self-sufficiency.
As India continues to make strides in its defence sector, the LRLACM is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future missile development programs, enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities and operational reach.
