DRDO’s missile development plans are a success story barely matched by any other organisation we have. It added a new feather to its cap with a successful flight-test of an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on April 18, 2024.
The missile followed the desired path using way point navigation and demonstrated a very low-altitude sea-skimming flight. The subsonic cruise missile is powered by an indigenous propulsion system.
The test was a great success with all subsystems performing as per expectations. The missile performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path.
The flight was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
This successful flight test has also established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru.
The missile is also equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure better and reliable performance. The missile is developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) along with contribution from other laboratories and Indian industries.
The test was witnessed by many senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories along with the representatives from the production partner.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM and stated that successful development of indigenous long range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&D.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire team of DRDO on successful conduct of the ITCM launch.
Team Bharatshakti
