Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile on 12 November 2024. The first flight was flown 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 a vital addition to the modern military arsenal. The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is designed to be launched from both mobile ground-based systems and frontline ships, using a universal vertical launch module, which further enhances its operational flexibility. It is also capable of performing complex maneuvers while flying at various speeds and altitudes, demonstrating the missile’s versatility and accuracy.The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and software that enhance its performance and reliability. These missiles are typically subsonic and can follow terrain-adjacent flight paths, 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 a result of collaboration between various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had earlier approved the LRLACM as a Mission Mode Project under the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) process. The successful test of the missile is considered a significant milestone in advancing India’s defense capabilities, especially in the area of long-range precision strikes.India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (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) at Chandipur in Odisha, was conducted from a mobile articulated launcher and was a significant achievement as the missile performed as planned and accomplished all the primary mission objectives. During the test, the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile was closely monitored using an array of sensors, including radars, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry equipment placed along its flight path. The missile demonstrated accurate waypoint navigation and successfully executed complex maneuvers at varying heights and speeds. Long-range land-attack cruise missiles are a vital part of the modern military arsenal, enabling long-range strikes from stand-off distances on strategic targets, which means the missile can be launched far away from the target, keeping the launch platform and the personnel operating it safe from harm. These missiles are typically subsonic and can follow terrain-adjacent flight paths, 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 precision, long-range 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, except for some sensors and accelerometers, have been locally sourced. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru have collaborated as development-cum-production partners, contributing to the integration and deployment of the missile. Designed for both land-based and naval deployments, 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 patented by BrahMos Aerospace and already operational on 30 Indian Navy ships.The missile is a Defence Acquisition Council-approved Mission Mode Project under Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which emphasizes its strategic importance. With a planned range of over 1,000 km, the missile will give a significant boost to the Indian armed forces, especially the Navy with its sea-skimming capabilities. Around 20 additional test flights are planned to improve the missile’s performance, including terminal homing through an indigenous radio-frequency seeker. According to sources, once the missile trials are completed by DRDO, the Indian Navy is likely to order around 200 Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles worth around Rs 5,000 crore. The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is a Defence Acquisition Council-approved Mission Mode Project under AoN, with a set timeline for entry into service.