Recently, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight-test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
DRDO Successfully Tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile
- Test Conducted: DRDO conducted the test at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
- Approval: The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of LRLACM in July 2020.
- Variant : It is a new variant of the Nirbhay LRLACM with improved features.
- Developed By: The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru.
- ADE is a key Aeronautical Systems Design House of DRDO involved in the design and development of the state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Aeronautical Systems and technologies.
- Performance: The missile demonstrated precision waypoint navigation, executed complex manoeuvres at varying altitudes and speeds and adhered to planned objectives.
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About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
- DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence ministry on procurement.
- Main Objective:
- Ensuring the armed forces receive equipment on time
- Making the best use of the allocated budget
- Expeditiously procuring approved requirements
- Formation: In 2001 after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System [post-Kargil War (1999)].
- Composition:Defence Minister is Chairman.
- Other Members: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Minister of State for Defence, Three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force), Chief of Integrated Staff Committees, Defence Secretary, Secretary Defence Research & Development.
- The DAC’s decisions flow down to the Defence Procurement Board, Defence Production Board, and Defence R&D Board for implementation.
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About Nirbhay LRLACM
- The Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is a Mission Mode Project and can be launched from the ground using a mobile articulated launcher and also from frontline ships using a universal vertical launch module system.
- Type and Range: Nirbhay is a sub-sonic, long-range cruise missile with a strike range of up to 1,000 kilometres, designed for precision targeting from stand-off distances, ensuring operator safety.
- Launch and Propulsion: Nirbhay uses a solid-fuel booster for initial launch, after which it transitions to a turbojet engine for sustained, long-distance flight.
- Precision Strike: It is designed for deep penetration, allowing it to target high-value assets with high accuracy.
- It is equipped with Radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry equipment for improved precision.
- Loitering and Low-Altitude Flight: The missile can loiter (stay airborne) before striking and can operate at very low altitudes, approximately 100 metres, to avoid detection and enhance effectiveness.
- Warhead Options: Nirbhay is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads, with a warhead capacity ranging from 200 to 300 kg, making it versatile for different mission requirements.
- Strategic Capability : Allow long-distance strikes against strategic targets with terrain-hugging flight paths and subsonic speeds enhancing stealth and defence penetration.
- Naval Defence Capability : Has a range of over 1,000 km, with sea-skimming capabilities for enhanced naval operations.
- Global Comparisons: It is Similar to the US Tomahawk & Russia’s Kalibr in precision and long-range capabilities.
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Cruise Missiles Vs Ballistic Missiles
| Aspect |
Cruise Missiles |
Ballistic Missiles |
| Flight Path |
Follow a low, controlled, and guided path |
Follows a parabolic trajectory; primarily unguided after launch |
| Range of Flight |
Typically short to medium range |
Can be short, medium, long, or intercontinental |
| Speed |
Usually subsonic or supersonic |
Supersonic or hypersonic |
| Guidance System |
Continuous guidance (e.g., GPS, radar, terrain mapping) |
Mostly guided only in initial phase (inertial or GPS guidance) |
| Flight Altitude |
Low altitude, hugging terrain |
High altitude (exiting atmosphere in some cases) |
| Precision |
High precision, able to adjust path mid-flight. |
Moderate to high, depending on guidance technology |
| Propulsion |
Jet engines or turbofans |
Rocket engines |
| Detection |
Harder to detect due to low altitude |
Easier to detect after launch due to high altitude |
| Launch Platforms |
Aircraft, ships, submarines, ground vehicles |
Land-based silos, submarines, mobile launchers |
| Primary Use |
Tactical strikes against specific targets |
Strategic strikes; often used for long-range attacks |
| Examples |
Tomahawk (US), BrahMos |
Minuteman III(US), Agni V, Russia’s R-36M (Longest range 16000 Km). |
November 13, 2024
