SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian military successfully tested its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) yesterday, marking a breakthrough in indigenous missile propulsion. This LRLACM test featured a locally developed Manik engine, which is currently manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace at a rate of 12 units per year. The test not only underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology but also showcases advancements in domestic propulsion systems essential for long-range strike capabilities.
The Manik engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a compact, high-performance turbofan designed specifically for cruise missiles. As one of India’s few fully indigenous missile engines, the Manik represents a leap forward in India’s ability to design and produce propulsion systems critical for long-range precision weaponry.
Yesterday’s successful test highlights several strategic advantages for India. Firstly, it reinforces India’s defense industry as a reliable producer of advanced weaponry, capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare. By integrating an indigenous engine into the LRLACM, India can confidently expand its long-range missile inventory without relying on external propulsion technology—a crucial factor in the current geopolitical climate, where technological dependencies can sometimes pose a national security risk.
Secondly, the successful deployment of the Manik engine within the LRLACM provides a cost-effective solution compared to foreign engines, allowing India to invest further in other indigenous projects and reduce the cost-per-unit of missile production. This operational efficiency aligns with India’s broader objectives of achieving self-reliance in defense technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Despite this achievement, challenges remain in scaling up production and further optimizing the Manik engine’s performance for other missile platforms. Currently, with only 12 units produced annually, BrahMos Aerospace will need to ramp up production to meet the growing demand for LRLACMs as well as other platforms that may eventually adopt the Manik engine. Increasing production rates will require further investment, technological refinement, and streamlined manufacturing processes.
Looking ahead, there is also scope to adapt the Manik engine for use in various missile types, potentially including short-range ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles. Such versatility would allow the engine to play a central role in India’s broader missile development programs, ultimately enhancing the country’s capability to deter and respond to regional threats.