DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

On November 12, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) with a range of 1,000 km from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

This significant milestone demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in missile development, marking a crucial advancement in defence technology. The missile, launched from a mobile articulated launcher, followed its flight path with waypoint navigation, performing various manoeuvres while demonstrating improved avionics and software. This is a new variant of the Nirbhay missile with enhanced features.

Key Highlights

Test Performance: The LRLACM successfully met all primary mission objectives, with performance closely monitored by radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry.

Missile Features: Equipped with advanced avionics, the missile showcased its ability to navigate at varying altitudes and speeds. It also demonstrated its capability to launch from both mobile platforms and frontline ships.

Development and Contributions

The missile was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, with support from other DRDO laboratories and Indian industries. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru played key roles in missile development and integration.

Significance and Future Prospects

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful flight-test, emphasizing that it sets the stage for future indigenous missile development programs. With the missile being part of a Defence Acquisition Council-approved, Mission Mode Project, it underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defence capabilities.

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