India successfully tests long range land attack cruise missile
New Delhi: India marked a major milestone in strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the flight test of its Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
The test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, demonstrating the country's growing prowess in developing advanced long-range precision strike systems. According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile successfully met all mission objectives, validating several critical technologies and operational parameters.
Data from multiple tracking and monitoring systems confirmed the missile's performance throughout the flight, while instrumentation deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, closely monitored the mission.
"The missile achieved all mission objectives, validating critical technologies and demonstrating India's growing long-range precision strike capability. Developed with all its sub-systems by DRDO with strong participation from Indian industry, the successful test is another major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a stronger national defence ecosystem," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO scientists and industry partners involved in the project, describing the successful test as a significant achievement for India's defence preparedness. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the launch activities and commended the teams responsible for the mission's success.
What is the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile?
The LRLACM is a fully indigenous cruise missile developed under DRDO's broader Nirbhay and Long-Range Attack Cruise Missile programmes. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, serves as the nodal laboratory for the project, with key contributions from various DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
Designed to strike high-value targets at ranges of up to 1,500 kilometres, the missile is capable of flying at low altitudes, evading enemy radar systems and carrying out precision strikes deep inside hostile territory. It also possesses loitering capability, allowing it to remain airborne until a target is identified before executing a highly accurate terminal attack.
The missile is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, significantly enhancing India's strategic deterrence and long-range offensive capabilities.
Senior DRDO officials, along with representatives from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, witnessed the successful launch. The achievement further reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology and strengthens its indigenous missile development ecosystem.
