DRDO’s long range land attack cruise missile passes maiden flight test

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.

The maiden flight took off from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The missile was launched using a mobile articulated launcher.


"During the test, all sub-systems performed as per expectation and met the primary mission objectives. The missile performance was monitored by several range sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System and telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path," the Ministry of Defence said.

The missile successfully demonstrated its advanced capabilities, following a pre-programmed path using waypoint navigation.

It was also able to execute complex manoeuvres while flying at different speeds and altitudes, showcasing the missile's versatility and precision.

The LRLACM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and software that enhances its performance and reliability.

LRLACM: All you need to know

Developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, the LRLACM is the result of collaboration between various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries.

The LRLACM is designed to be launched from both mobile ground-based systems and frontline ships, using a universal vertical launch module, further enhancing its operational flexibility.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru served as the Development-Cum-Production Partners.

The test was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and representatives from India’s three armed services, who are the primary users of the system.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had previously approved LRLACM as a Mission Mode Project, sanctioned under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) procedure.

The missile’s successful test is seen as a key milestone in advancing India's defence capabilities, particularly in the area of long-range precision strikes.

“This achievement paves the way for future indigenous cruise missile development programmes,” said India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the maiden flight test.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also extended his congratulations to the entire team for the successful maiden launch of the LRLACM, highlighting the importance of this milestone in strengthening India’s defence self-reliance.