DRDO successfully tests 1500 km range Nirbhay cruise missile

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 19-04-2024

DRDO successfully tests 1500 km range Nirbhay cruise missile

Defence 5 min read

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on 18 April 2024 successfully test-fired the long-range ‘Nirbhay cruise missile’ at the Integrated Test Range Chandipur in Odisha.

The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is fitted with an Indian-made Manik turbofan engine. Besides, Indigenous Propulsion System (IPS) is also present in this Nirbhay cruise missile.

Tracking of the missile during the test:

DRDO said that during the testing of 'Nirbhay Cruise Missile', tracking of the missile was done in many ways. In this, missile tracking was done mainly through range sensor, electro-optical tracking system and telemetry.
The missile has been developed indigenously by DRDO's lab Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru.

Will be deployed on the border with China and Pakistan:

After being inducted into the army, Nirbhay missiles can be deployed on the border with China and Pakistan. The entire Pakistan and many areas including Afghanistan's capital Kabul will be within the reach of 'Nirbhay Cruise Missile'.

IPS performed better:

This successful test also demonstrated the performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru which has been highly appreciated by defence experts.

Excellent performance in all parts of ‘Nirbhay Cruise Missile’:

During the test, all sub-systems of the missile performed as expected.
The missile determined its path using waypoint navigation. Also performed very low altitude sea-skimming flights.
The testing of the missile was also tracked by IAF Su-30-Mk-I jets.

Nirbhay cruise missile can be fired from both water and land:

It can be fired from missile launchers from both sea and land. It is expected that after joining the army, these missiles will be deployed on the border with China.

Features of Nirbhay Cruise Missile:

The Nirbhay cruise missile is 6 meters long and 0.52 meters wide. The total length of its wings is 2.7 meters.
This missile is equipped with hugging capability, which is very difficult to deactivate after hitting the target.
It is a two-stage missile, in which liquid fuel is used in the first stage.
This missile can carry warheads up to 300 kg and has a maximum range of 1500 km.
It can destroy the target by flying 50 meters above the ground and 4 km above the sea.
It can destroy the target by changing its direction en route.

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)

The missile has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a laboratory based in Bengaluru, along with other Indian industries and laboratories. It is equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure reliable and improved performance. The missile was tested on the subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay platform from launching complex III of the integrated test range. It is a technology demonstrator.
The missile was test-fired for a reduced range with the indigenously developed small turbofan engine (STFE) Manik and an upgraded radio frequency seeker.