DRDO Successfully Tests LRLACM Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile in ITR Chandpur Odisha

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reached a new milestone in the development of indigenous missile systems, successfully testing the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. This maiden flight marked a significant leap in India's efforts to establish robust long-range precision strike capabilities.

The test, overseen by senior officials from the armed forces and DRDO scientists, saw the LRLACM launch from a mobile articulated launcher, emphasizing its flexibility and readiness for rapid deployment. What stood out during the test was the missile's impressive flight performance, closely monitored by a network of radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems stationed along its path.

### Specifications and Design Highlights

The LRLACM is a sophisticated weapon designed to offer strategic flexibility to both the Indian Army and Navy. It can be launched from mobile ground systems or integrated onto naval platforms using a universal vertical launch module (UVLM), similar to that employed by the BrahMos missile system. The missile boasts an advanced navigation suite combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) with GPS guidance, enabling high-precision strikes across varied terrain. For its final approach, the missile employs a radio frequency (RF) seeker, ensuring accurate target engagement even in adverse conditions.

Measuring over 5.6 meters in length and weighing approximately 975 kilograms, the LRLACM has been engineered for both power and efficiency. The missile can travel at subsonic speeds, cruising at Mach 0.7, and is capable of executing complex flight maneuvers at different altitudes, thereby complicating enemy interception efforts. The warhead options include both preformed fragmentation and airburst configurations, making the missile adaptable for a range of tactical and strategic missions.

### Developmental Milestones and Future Prospects

The LRLACM is a testament to India's strides in defense technology, with the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru spearheading the project in collaboration with several DRDO labs and Indian industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. This test also reaffirms India's commitment to reducing its dependence on foreign missile technology and boosting indigenous production under the Defence Acquisition Council's Mission Mode Projects.

The success of this maiden test is expected to accelerate future programs aimed at developing advanced cruise missiles. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat lauded the achievement, underscoring its impact on India's defense self-reliance. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strategic advantage conferred by the LRLACM's long-range precision strike capability.

As India continues to modernize its military arsenal, the successful demonstration of the LRLACM positions the country as a growing power in missile technology, signaling readiness to meet emerging security challenges both regionally and globally.