India's strategic strike capabilities are set for a major enhancement as the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has formulated a plan to systematically increase the range of the new Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM).
According to official sources, the plan involves incrementally upgrading the missile to double its reach from the current 1,000 km to an eventual 2,000 km, marking a significant leap in the nation's indigenous defence technology.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of the LR-LACM on November 12, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.
A key aspect of the trial was the missile's launch from a truck-based mobile launcher, which confirmed its operational flexibility and ability to be deployed from various locations on land.
As a subsonic cruise missile, the LR-LACM is designed to fly at low altitudes to evade enemy radar detection before hitting its target with high accuracy.
The range enhancement will be executed in phases. Following the successful validation of its 1,000 km range, the ADE, which is the lead DRDO laboratory for the project, will first work to extend its reach to 1,500 km.
The final development phase will aim to achieve the 2,000 km target, providing the Indian Armed Forces with a formidable weapon for long-distance precision strikes against high-value strategic targets deep within enemy territory.
A major highlight of the LR-LACM program is its reliance on advanced, locally developed systems, which reduces India's dependence on foreign technology and aligns with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) policy.
The missile is powered by the indigenous "Manik" Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), which provides sustained power for long-duration flight.
For guidance, it is equipped with a sophisticated Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, which offers superior targeting precision and is highly resistant to electronic jamming by adversaries.
The LR-LACM is the designated successor to the Nirbhay cruise missile program. It builds upon the technological foundation and incorporates the lessons learned from the development of the Nirbhay system to offer superior reliability and an extended operational range.
Defence analysts state that the development of a 2,000 km range cruise missile is a crucial step for India's strategic deterrence. This capability bridges a critical gap, allowing the military to hold distant targets at risk without exposing its own launch platforms.
Once fully developed, the LR-LACM will complement India's existing arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, significantly strengthening the country's conventional and strategic strike options.
