SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are intensifying efforts to expedite the development of an Air-Launched Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile, a derivative of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). This new missile, designed to enhance the IAF’s long-range precision strike capabilities, will feature tailored modifications to meet the demands of air-launched operations, offering a cost-effective alternative to the supersonic BrahMos-NG. According to sources cited by idrw.org, the missile is poised to become a key addition to the IAF’s arsenal, capable of striking targets deep inside enemy territory with a range of 500-600 km.
The Air-Launched Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile, built on the ITCM platform, will incorporate several modifications to optimize its performance when deployed from fighter aircraft. Unlike its ground-launched ITCM counterpart, the air-launched variant will eliminate the booster stage, as the missile will be jettisoned directly from an aircraft, leveraging the platform’s altitude and velocity for initial propulsion. The airframe will undergo minor changes to ensure seamless integration with IAF fighter jets, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Rafale, and Tejas, as well as future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
A key focus of the development is the optimization of the missile’s air intakes to enhance efficiency during air-launched operations. The redesigned intakes will improve airflow to the missile’s Manik engine, a compact turbofan developed indigenously by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). Additionally, the missile’s length will be shortened to ensure compatibility with the diverse fighter jet fleet operated by the IAF, making it versatile enough to be carried by both light and heavy combat aircraft.
Weighing approximately 1.2 tons, the Air-Launched Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile is comparable in weight to the BrahMos-NG, a next-generation supersonic cruise missile capable of Mach 3.5 speeds with ramjet propulsion. However, the sub-sonic missile prioritizes affordability and extended range over speed, offering a cost-effective solution for long-range precision strikes. Powered by the Manik engine, the missile is expected to achieve a range of 500-600 km, enabling the IAF to target high-value assets deep within enemy territory, such as command centers, airfields, or logistics hubs.
The missile’s sub-sonic speed, while slower than the BrahMos-NG, allows for greater fuel efficiency and extended loiter time, enhancing its ability to navigate complex terrain and evade enemy defenses through low-altitude flight profiles. Its design emphasizes stealth and precision, with advanced guidance systems, including inertial navigation, satellite-based GPS, and possibly terrain contour matching (TERCOM), to ensure pinpoint accuracy.
The Air-Launched Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile is positioned as a complementary system to the BrahMos-NG, which is being developed as a lighter, faster, and more compact version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. While the BrahMos-NG, with its Mach 3.5 speed and ramjet propulsion, is designed for rapid, high-impact strikes, the sub-sonic missile offers a more economical option for missions requiring extended range and persistent engagement. At an estimated cost significantly lower than the BrahMos-NG, the new missile will enable the IAF to diversify its arsenal, balancing high-cost, high-speed systems with affordable, long-range alternatives.
Once operational, the Air-Launched Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile will significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct stand-off strikes, reducing the risk to aircraft and pilots by engaging targets from long distances. Its 500-600 km range will allow IAF fighters to strike deep into enemy territory while remaining outside the engagement envelope of most air defense systems. The missile’s affordability will also enable the IAF to procure it in larger numbers, ensuring greater operational flexibility compared to the more expensive BrahMos-NG.
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