Context:
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
Relevance:
GS III: Defence
Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)
Launch Capabilities:
- The LRLACM is designed for versatile deployment, capable of being launched from mobile ground-based systems as well as from frontline ships. It employs a universal vertical launch module, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Flight and Manoeuvrability:
- This missile is capable of performing complex manoeuvres at various speeds and altitudes, demonstrating its versatility and precision in targeting.
Technological Enhancements:
- Equipped with advanced avionics and software, the LRLACM boasts improved performance and reliability. These features are crucial in meeting the demands of modern warfare.
Stealth and Evasion:
- Typically subsonic, the LRLACM can follow terrain-hugging flight paths which make it more difficult for enemy radars to detect and intercept, thereby offering strategic advantages in penetrating enemy defenses.
Development and Production
Development Team:
- The missile was developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Bengaluru. This project represents a collaborative effort involving various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries.
Production Partners:
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru are the designated Development-Cum-Production Partners, playing significant roles in the missile’s production.
Government Approval:
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the LRLACM as a Mission Mode Project, under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) procedure.
Strategic Significance
Enhancement of Defense Capabilities:
- The successful test of the LRLACM is considered a key milestone in advancing India’s defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of long-range precision strikes. This development is integral to India’s strategic defense objectives, bolstering its ability to maintain security and deter aggression.
-Source: Indian Express
