India tests long-range land attack cruise missile off Odisha coast

DRDO successfully flight-tested the indigenous Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile from Odisha on Monday. The milestone drew praise from the defence leadership and underlined India's push for self-reliance in strategic systems.

In Short

• Tracking systems at Chandipur confirmed the missile's performance throughout the flight
• ADE Bengaluru led the project with support from DRDO laboratories
• Indian Navy and Air Force representatives witnessed the launch alongside officials

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the flight-test of the indigenously developed Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile successfully met all mission objectives during the test. Data collected by various tracking and monitoring systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipura confirmed the successful performance of the missile throughout the flight.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence mentioned that The LRLACM is an indigenously developed missile with all sub-systems developed by various DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry partners. Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru is the Nodal Laboratory. "The launch was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO and user representatives from the Indian Navy & the Indian Air Force," read the statement.

"Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO scientists, engineers and industry partners involved in the project. He described the successful test as a significant achievement for India's defence research ecosystem and a boost to the country's self-reliance initiatives in the strategic sector," the statement added.

THE FLIGHT-TEST MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE

The successful flight-test marks another milestone in India's efforts to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign military technology. The missile has been designed to provide the armed forces with a long-range conventional strike capability against land-based targets.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh closely monitored the launch activities and praised the efforts of all teams associated with the mission. He congratulated the scientists, engineers and personnel whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the flight test.

The successful demonstration of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is expected to further enhance India's indigenous missile development programme and strengthen the country's strategic defence capabilities.

- Ends