DRDO conducts successful test of LRLACM, big boost for India's missile force

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has given every Indian another reason to be proud. The organization has successfully test-fired the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha.

Where did the test take place?

The test was conducted using various tracking instruments deployed at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, and all mission objectives were successfully met. It is worth noting that the LRLACM is an indigenously developed missile; all its subsystems were developed by various DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, is the nodal laboratory for this project. Senior DRDO officials, along with representatives from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, were present during the test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team and industry partners on the successful test-firing of the LRLACM. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh, monitored all activities during the launch and congratulated all team members involved in the successful test.

How many consecutive flight tests did DRDO conduct?

Earlier, on June 13, DRDO successfully demonstrated several key technologies aimed at strengthening the nation's defence capabilities against various types of enemy threats. Three consecutive flight tests were conducted on June 10 and 11 to demonstrate multi-layered defence capabilities against long-range ballistic missiles and medium-range anti-ship threats.

During the tests, multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities were successfully demonstrated. Interceptors successfully engaged and destroyed their respective targets. These systems have been designed and developed using modern technologies to counter emerging missile-related threats.

Does the LRLACM have the capability to intercept ICBMs?

These tests have placed the country among the select few nations possessing a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system capable of intercepting even Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). The maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NSM-MR) was also successfully conducted. Senior officials from the DRDO and the armed forces witnessed these flight tests.