DRDO Races to Develop Naval and Air-Launched Variants of Nirbhay Cruise Missile

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is ramping up efforts to expand the capabilities of its Nirbhay cruise missile, with new variants tailored for naval and aerial platforms. Over the next 12 to 18 months, DRDO's Advanced Defence Establishment (ADE) is expected to achieve significant milestones, including the development of an anti-ship naval variant of the Nirbhay missile, with an air-launched version also on the horizon.

The Nirbhay missile program has already seen success with its land-based variant, known as the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). This version is capable of striking targets over 1,000 kilometers away, making it a potent tool in India's long-range deterrence strategy. The success of this land-based version has laid the groundwork for more advanced variants.

Now, the focus is shifting to the naval variant. This new version of the Nirbhay missile is designed to be launched from frontline warships, giving the Indian Navy a formidable anti-ship weapon. Key to this development is the integration of the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells, which DRDO has already developed. These cells are essential for launching the Nirbhay missile from naval platforms and will be integrated into a warship for testing. If all goes according to plan, trials of this ship-launched missile could begin within the next year to year and a half.

The naval variant is expected to bolster the Indian Navy's capabilities significantly, offering a new strategic advantage in maritime operations. The ability to strike enemy ships from a distance with precision will enhance India’s power projection in regional waters, particularly in the Indian Ocean where maritime security concerns are paramount.

But DRDO isn’t stopping at the sea. ADE is also working on an air-launched version of the Nirbhay missile, which will be capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers away. This variant is expected to provide the Indian Air Force with a long-range strike capability, further expanding India’s tri-service offensive options. The air-launched version will likely be adapted for use on aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which already serves as the platform for other air-launched cruise missiles.

The development of these new variants is part of DRDO’s broader strategy to enhance India’s indigenous missile capabilities across all domains—land, sea, and air. By doing so, India aims to ensure its defense forces are equipped with versatile, state-of-the-art weaponry capable of meeting a wide range of strategic needs.

The Nirbhay missile, often compared to the American Tomahawk, is a subsonic cruise missile with a range that can be extended beyond 1,000 kilometers. It is designed to carry a variety of warheads, making it adaptable to different mission profiles, including land attack, anti-ship, and potentially anti-radiation roles. The missile's ability to fly at low altitudes and evade radar detection makes it a stealthy weapon that can strike deep into enemy territory.

As India continues to face security challenges on multiple fronts, the successful development and deployment of the Nirbhay naval and air-launched variants will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s defensive and offensive capabilities. DRDO’s ongoing work on these projects underscores India’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense technologies and reducing reliance on foreign systems.