The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), in a landmark achievement, successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), on November 12. The test signifies the advancement of Indian defense technology and indigenous development. The test was carried out using an articulated mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The event marks India’s achievement and capabilities in indigenous cruise missile development and aligns with its strategic defense objectives and military posture.
A Comprehensive Test to Validate Advanced Systems
The maiden test flight conducted by DRDO also serves to validate the advanced systems on board the LRLACM. The test itself encompassed the evaluation of various sub-systems, including range sensors, RADAR, electro-optical tracking, and telemetry. The successful launch also achieved the mission’s primary objectives, as anticipated, and the LRLACM was monitored comprehensively along its flight path to gather critical insight and preliminary data regarding the missile’s operational reliability.
Maiden flight-test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) was conducted today from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. During the test, all sub-systems performed as per expectation and met the primary mission objectives pic.twitter.com/JnJAA4Fy7n
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) November 12, 2024
A Demonstration of Precise Navigation and Maneuverability
During the test flight, LRLACM demonstrated precise navigation capabilities and maneuverability. It also served as a successful demonstration of the advanced waypoint navigation system installed onboard the missile. The navigation system allowed the missile to follow a pre-determined path with high precision, thus ensuring that the missile was capable of following through a designed path. It also successfully demonstrated complex maneuvers while adjusting the altitude and speed, underscoring the needed operational flexibility for such missiles. The LRLACM is also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and software and is engineered to ensure high accuracy and reliability, which are essential in modern warfare.
The Successful Collaboration Behind Development
The successful launch of the LRLACM is not only a new chapter in India’s defense chronicles but also a testament to collaborative development. The missile was developed under the lead of DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with help from several DRDO laboratories and leading defense industries from all over the country. Some notable names include Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru. These Development-Cum-Production Partners (DCPP) allowed DRDO to indigenous develop the LRLACM in line with the Make In India initiative.
LRLACM’s Versatility and Deployment Capabilities
The missile was sanctioned by An Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), and approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) as a Mission Mode Project. As such, it can be launched from both ground-based mobile articulated launchers and frontline naval ships with a universal vertical launch module system. This serves to highlight the versatility of the LRLACM and aids the strategic needs of the Indian defense forces. The versatile deployment capabilities of the LRLACM also allow it to be effective against diverse terrains and operational threats. This will help the nation to significantly enhance its strategic strike capabilities.
Future Prospects
The successful maiden flight test was lauded by the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who also applauded the Armed Forces and the various industry partners who were integral in the success of this development. He further described the missile test to be a milestone for India’s cruise missile development program and emphasized that it will set the foundation for future indigenous missile systems, aiding national security.
Alongside the minister, the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team on the successful test flight of the LRLACM. He recognized the dedication and commitment of the personnel involved in making this technological advancement a reality.
The LRLACM project represents a substantial improvement to India’s indigenous innovation and development, once again highlighting the importance of Aathmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
