Chandipur: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on Tuesday. The test, carried out from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on the Odisha coast, was launched using a mobile articulated launcher.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile test met all primary mission objectives, with all sub-systems performing as expected. During the flight, the missile’s trajectory and performance were closely monitored by a range of tracking systems, including Radar, Electro Optical Tracking Systems (EOTS), and telemetry deployed at various locations along the flight path.
The missile demonstrated advanced waypoint navigation capabilities, executing several manoeuvres at varying altitudes and speeds, underscoring its precision and reliability. Equipped with advanced avionics and sophisticated software, the LRLACM is designed for enhanced performance, ensuring accuracy and dependability in operational conditions.
Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, the missile also saw contributions from other DRDO laboratories and Indian industries. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru are the primary development and production partners for the LRLACM program.
The successful flight test was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, who are the intended users of the system.
The LRLACM is a Defence Acquisition Council-approved project and is configured for launch from both mobile ground platforms and frontline ships using a universal vertical launch system. The successful test marks a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities for future missions.