Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of a  long-range Nirbhay cruise missile also known as Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

India Tests Nirbhay Cruise Missile with Indigenous Propulsion System

The Nirbhay cruise missile demonstrated very low altitude sea-skimming flight and followed the intended route using waypoint navigation.

• Missile Performance: The performance of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) was monitored by several range sensors like radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. 

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Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)

Development: The Nirbhay Cruise Missile is developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) along with contributions from other laboratories and domestic industries.

Missile Specifications: The two-stage ICTM is six-metre long and weighs around 1.5 tonne. It can cruise at a speed of 0.9 Mach and strike targets at up to 1,000 km. 

• It is equipped with an indigenous propulsion system and the Manik turbofan engine.

Significance: This successful flight test has established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru.