rDefense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile on 12 November 2024. The first flight was conducted from a mobile articulated launcher from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru with contributions from other DRDO laboratories and Indian industries, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is an important addition to the modern military arsenal. The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is designed to be launched from both mobile groundbased systems and frontline ships, using a universal vertical launch module, which further increases its operational flexibility. It is designed to be launched from both mobile groundbased systems and frontline ships, using a universal vertical launch module, which further increases its operational flexibility.
It is also capable of performing complex maneuvers while flying at different speeds and altitudes, demonstrating the missile's versatility and accuracy. The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is equipped with stateoftheart avionics and software that enhances its performance and reliability. These missiles are usually subsonic and can follow flight paths adjacent to terrain, making them difficult to detect and intercept, thus providing a strategic advantage in penetrating enemy defenses. Developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is the result of collaboration between various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) had earlier approved LRLACM as a mission mode project under the Approval of Need (AoN) process. The successful test of the missile is considered a significant milestone in advancing India's defense capabilities, especially in the area of longrange precision strikes. India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile. The first test, conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, was conducted from a mobile articulated launcher and was a significant achievement as the missile performed as planned and met all the primary mission objectives.
During the test, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile was closely monitored using an array of sensors including radar, electrooptical tracking systems and telemetry equipment mounted along its flight path. The missile demonstrated precise waypoint navigation and successfully executed complex maneuvers at varying altitudes and speeds. Longrange land attack cruise missiles are an important part of the modern military arsenal, enabling longrange attacks on strategic targets from standoff distances, meaning the missile can be launched far away from the target. , which keeps the launch platform and the personnel operating it safe from harm.
These missiles are usually subsonic and can follow flight paths adjacent to terrain, making them difficult to detect and intercept, thus providing a strategic advantage in penetrating enemy defenses. Other examples of long range land attack cruise missiles include the US Tomahawk and Russia's Caliber, both known for their use in precise, longrange strikes. Developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is a completely indigenous project. All components of the missile are locally sourced except some sensors and accelerometers.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru have collaborated as developmentcumproduction partners, contributing to the integration and deployment of the missile. Designed for both landbased and naval deployment, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile can be launched from mobile ground platforms and ships using the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM), a system developed by BrahMos Aerospace. Has been patented and is already operational on 30 Indian Naval ships. The missile is a Defense Acquisition Council approved mission mode project under Acceptance Requirement (AoN), which emphasizes its strategic importance. With a planned range of over 1,000 kilometres, the missile will add significant strength to the Indian armed forces, particularly the Navy, with its seaskimming capabilities.
About 20 additional test flights are planned to improve the missile's performance, including terminal homing through an indigenous radiofrequency seeker. According to sources, after DRDO completes the trials of the missile, the Indian Navy may order around 200 Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles worth around Rs 5,000 crore. The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is a mission mode project approved by the AON, approved by the Defense Acquisition Council, with a stipulated time frame for entry into service.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.