SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for the second flight test of its indigenously developed Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of advanced missile technology. The LRLACM, which successfully completed its maiden flight test on November 12, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, is poised to enhance India’s strategic capabilities with its 1500km range and ability to deliver stealthy, precision strikes. The upcoming test, expected soon, marks a critical step towards operationalizing this cutting-edge missile system.
The LRLACM, a Mission Mode Project approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), represents a major leap forward in India’s missile development program. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, with contributions from other DRDO laboratories and industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the missile is a new variant of the Nirbhay cruise missile with enhanced features. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, offering versatility for a range of mission requirements. With a weight of approximately one tonne, a length of 6 meters, and a diameter of 0.52 meters, the LRLACM is engineered for precision strikes against strategic land targets.
During its maiden flight, the LRLACM demonstrated advanced capabilities, including waypoint navigation and complex maneuvers at varying altitudes and speeds. Launched from a mobile articulated launcher, the missile’s performance was monitored by radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry, meeting all primary mission objectives. The system is also configured for launch from frontline naval ships using a universal vertical launch module (UVLM), enhancing its operational flexibility across the Indian Armed Forces.
The LRLACM’s terrain-hugging flight path and subsonic speed enable it to evade enemy radar, offering a cost-effective solution for long-range precision strikes. Comparable to the U.S. Tomahawk and Russia’s Kalibr missiles, it strengthens India’s strategic deterrence and naval defense capabilities, with a range exceeding that of the BrahMos missile. The Indian Air Force and Army have already received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement, with planned orders worth ?10,000 crore and ?4,000 crore, respectively, underscoring its importance to national defense.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the maiden test, stating it paves the way for future indigenous cruise missile programs. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the team, highlighting the missile’s role in advancing India’s self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The LRLACM’s display at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens further showcased India’s growing prowess in missile technology, drawing global attention.
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