SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is set to bolster the survivability of its indigenous sub-sonic cruise missile, boasting a 1,500 km range, by integrating a counter-protection system featuring flare technology. According to reliable sources cited by idrw.org, this long-range missile, currently under development for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy under the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) program, will soon be equipped with flares to evade threats from Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS) and close-combat missiles guided by heat-seeking seekers, whether launched from aircraft or ground platforms.
The sub-sonic cruise missile, an evolution of the ITCM initiative, is designed to fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection, enhancing its stealth capabilities for precision strikes. However, this low-flight profile leaves it vulnerable to infrared-guided threats like MANPADS and short-range air-to-air missiles. The addition of a flare system addresses this weakness, enabling the missile to deploy decoys that mimic its heat signature, potentially allowing it to dodge incoming missiles by confusing their seekers.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ITCM program builds on the legacy of the Nirbhay missile, incorporating indigenous technologies such as the Manik turbo-fan engine. The missile’s versatility—intended for land, air, and naval platforms—makes it a critical asset for India’s multi-service Integrated Rocket Force. The inclusion of flares marks a significant upgrade, aligning with the need to protect these assets during operations, a lesson reinforced by recent conflicts where low-flying drones and missiles faced heightened risks.
While the flare system enhances the missile’s defensive capabilities, its effectiveness will depend on rigorous testing against evolving MANPADS threats, such as those deployed by adversaries along India’s borders. The move reflects India’s broader strategy to fortify its indigenous defense systems, reducing reliance on imported technologies while addressing vulnerabilities exposed in exercises like Operation Sindoor. As development progresses, this enhancement could set a new standard for India’s cruise missile fleet, ensuring greater resilience in modern warfare scenarios.
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