India conducts maiden test of long-range cruise missile VIDEO

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden test flight of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The missile was launched on November 12 from a mobile articulated launcher, achieving all primary mission objectives as its sub-systems performed as expected, Caliber.Az reports per Indian media.

The missile’s flight was tracked and monitored by an array of sensors, including radar and an Electro Optical Tracking System deployed at various points by the ITR to ensure comprehensive coverage of the flight path.

Using waypoint navigation, the missile followed the predetermined trajectory and demonstrated its ability to carry out complex manoeuvres at various altitudes and speeds. Equipped with advanced avionics and sophisticated software, the missile showcased reliable and enhanced performance.

The LRLACM has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, based in Bengaluru, with input from other DRDO laboratories and industry partners. Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited in Bengaluru are the two key development and production partners collaborating on the missile’s development and integration.

Senior scientists from various DRDO facilities, as well as representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, observed the test.

The LRLACM is an Acceptance of Necessity-sanctioned, Defence Acquisition Council-approved Mission Mode Project. It is capable of being launched from ground-based mobile articulated launchers and from frontline naval vessels equipped with universal vertical launch module systems.

By Aghakazim Guliyev