long-range land attack cruise missile
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the first flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) with a range of over 1,000 km at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The successful test was conducted using a mobile articulated launcher off the coast of Odisha.
According to sources, the Indian Navy may possess about 200 indigenous long-range attack cruise missiles. In this context, DRDO plans to conduct around 20 additional test flights to improve its performance, which will also include terminal homing through indigenous radio frequencies.
Radar at different locations
The long-range attack cruise missile is a mission-mode project approved by the Defense Acquisition Council under an Acceptance Requirement (AON), underscoring its strategic importance. This missile has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers and has sea-skimming capabilities, which will bring a huge improvement to the strength of the Indian armed forces, especially the navy.
In order to monitor the missile’s testing, ITR installed a variety of ranging sensors such as radar, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry at different locations to completely cover the missile’s flight path. DRDO will complete additional testing of the missile within the stipulated deadline. Following this, it is expected to receive orders for 200 LRLACMs worth approximately Rs 5,000 crore.
Will U.S. missiles face competition?
India’s indigenous missile is being compared with the US Tomahawk cruise missile. The U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile is a precision weapon that can be launched from ships, submarines and land.
Characteristics of Tomahawk missiles
- The missile has a range of up to 2,400 kilometers (about 1,500 miles).
- Its speed is 885 kilometers (550 miles) per hour.
- Its accuracy is approximately 5 meters (16 feet).
- The missile flies at low altitude, making it undetectable by radar and air defense systems.
- It’s equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) so it can turn mid-ride.
- The missile can carry conventional or nuclear payloads.
- This missile can destroy fighter jets, bases, oil reserves, weapons depots, etc. at the air base.
- India’s long-range land attack cruise missile is a supersonic missile developed by DRDO and is capable of targeting enemy ships.
- Attack missile: The characteristic of long-range land attack cruise missiles is that they can destroy targets at a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers in the blink of an eye.
- The missile will be able to shoot down warships, aircraft and drones moving over a thousand kilometers.
- Supersonic speed: The missile can fly faster than the speed of sound, allowing it to evade enemy defenses.
- Long range capabilities: Its attack range is very long, so it can easily target enemy positions.
- Advanced guidance system: It has an advanced guidance system that helps in accurate targeting.
