DRDO’s Successful Maiden Flight Test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, on November 12, 2024. The test was conducted from a mobile articulated launcher, meeting the primary mission objectives and marking a significant milestone in India’s missile development program.

Key Highlights of the Test

The LRLACM test included multiple technological validations, and all subsystems met the expectations. The missile’s performance was closely monitored by an array of sensors deployed by ITR across various locations, ensuring full coverage of its flight path through radar, Electro Optical Tracking Systems, and telemetry systems.

The missile utilized way-point navigation, demonstrating sophisticated manoeuvrability across varied altitudes and speeds, underscoring its capability to adjust and follow complex flight paths.

Advanced Technology and Development Partnerships

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru with contributions from other DRDO laboratories and Indian industries, the LRLACM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation software, designed to enhance its reliability and effectiveness.

Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru, are key partners in both the missile’s development and production, marking a successful collaboration between public and private defense entities.

LRLACM’s Strategic Role and Deployment Flexibility

LRLACM is a Mission Mode Project, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and sanctioned under Acceptance of Necessity. It is configured for versatile launch capabilities, capable of being deployed from ground-based mobile articulated launchers and frontline naval ships via a universal vertical launch module system.

Leadership Acknowledgements and Future Prospects

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the Indian defense industry for the successful test. This achievement, he said, represents a significant step in India’s indigenous cruise missile development and strengthens the foundation for further advancements.

Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, extended congratulations to the DRDO team, recognizing the coordinated effort in achieving this successful launch and opening avenues for future innovation in cruise missile technology.