Key Facts
In a significant advancement for India's missile capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on Monday, June 16, 2026. The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the Odisha coast.
The LRLACM is an indigenous, next-generation cruise missile designed for precision strikes against high-value land targets. With an expected range of up to 1,500 km, it is capable of striking targets with pinpoint accuracy. The missile is subsonic, low-flying, and highly precise, drawing comparisons to the US Tomahawk cruise missile.
Details of the Test
According to a defence ministry release, all test objectives were fully met. Data captured by various tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur confirmed the success. The launch was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO and user representatives from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team and industry partners on the successful flight-test. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored all activities during the launch and extended his congratulations to the team members involved.
Impact and Significance
The LRLACM programme aims to equip the Indian armed forces with the capability to target significant land-based targets from substantial distances. This enables launch platforms and personnel to remain clear of heavily fortified areas as the missile advances to its target. The missile can destroy key military targets such as command centers, communication hubs, airfields, and logistics facilities without putting friendly troops at risk.
All subsystems of the LRLACM have been developed by various DRDO labs and Indian industry partners. The Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru served as the nodal laboratory for the project.
What Readers Should Know
- Indigenous Development: The LRLACM is a fully indigenous programme, showcasing India's self-reliance in missile technology.
- Strategic Capability: With a range of 1,500 km, it provides a significant stand-off capability for the Indian armed forces.
- Precision Strike: The missile is designed for high precision, minimizing collateral damage.
- User Involvement: Representatives from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force were present during the test, indicating potential induction into these services.
FAQ
What is the range of the LRLACM tested by DRDO?
The LRLACM has a range of up to 1500 km.
Which missile is LRLACM compared to?
LRLACM is considered India's equivalent of the US Tomahawk cruise missile.
Where was the LRLACM test conducted?
The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com