ADA Plans for Phased Extension of LR-LACM Missile Range, Aiming to Double Range with 2,000 km Precision Strike Capability

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.

 

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[sanket]

Good News I was expecting 1500 km but it's a bonus with a target of 2000 km. With indigenous content, it will be easily available with a constant supply chain, and it is a big tight slap on the face of those who were saying the indigenous subsonic cruise missile program has failed. Waiting for the air-launched variant with a 1000 km range of a subsonic cruise missile.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

This should have stealth features like scap. We should not think only of Pakistan. China has S-400, S-300 and their inbuilt SAMs that can easily shoot down subsonic cruise missiles. China has hundreds of Su-30 and J-10 and J-20 and other fighters based on Su-30. They can easily shoot down subsonic cruise missiles as happened in Ukraine where F-16s and MiG-29s are able to shoot down several subsonic Russian cruise missiles.

 

[Kira]

I believe though a missile with a larger range would be subsequently larger in dimensions due to increase in the size of the fuel tank, they can use more energy-dense fuel blends to achieve higher ranges in theory too.
Brahmos was different in that the original range was cut via a smaller fuel tank plus software in order to comply with the MTCR restrictions.

 

[Sandeep]

They need to start manufacturing these type of missiles now as currently there is a large requirement. We need to develop several variants that can be launched from land, air and sea. They can always increase the range by adding on boosters and increasing the fuel tank sizes. What they should also do is make them into stealth missiles by increasing the use of composites and even using stealth paint that we have developed from the AMCA project along with making them fly below the radar. However we need to ensure that we 100% indigenously develop and manufacture our own missiles to become completely self reliant.

 

[sas]

KKh 55, Kh 101 are 3000+ km.
CJ 10 of PRC is 1500-2000 km.
Hyonmoo of South Korea is 1500km+.
They have all been there for a decade, and our agencies are saying we will gradually increase the range. Aree Bhaiya aur kitna saal public ko lootoge? Because of these delays, during Op Sindoor our major strikes required French and Israeli missiles, and our DRDO says we are self-sufficient in missile technology, we can develop any missile in two years, etc.
Truth is bitter, but it is the truth. Our government agencies are performing very much below par compared to countries that are even smaller than us.

 

[Alok Gupta]

With a range of 2000 km at subsonic speed, it will take almost 2.5 hours for the missile to travel. This missile is obviously meant for China. China has space-based assets that are monitoring every rocket launch in India. They will have more than advanced warning about this missile and take effective defence action against it. It will also give them adequate time to respond to the attack as well. I feel that the era of subsonic missiles is quickly disappearing. Every missile needs to be supersonic or hypersonic. For shorter range, terrain-hugging sub-sonic missiles may still be effective, but for long distances, they are useless against an advanced adversary.

 

[beencensured]

KKh 55, Kh 101 are 3000+ km.
CJ 10 of PRC is 1500-2000 km.
Hyonmoo of South Korea is 1500km+.
They have all been there for a decade, and our agencies are saying we will gradually increase the range. Aree Bhaiya aur kitna saal public ko lootoge? Because of these delays, during Op Sindoor our major strikes required French and Israeli missiles, and our DRDO says we are self-sufficient in missile technology, we can develop any missile in two years, etc.
Truth is bitter, but it is the truth. Our government agencies are performing very much below par compared to countries that are even smaller than us.

Everyone knows India's turbofan technology has lagged behind due to a lack of investment, and so the efficiency of a turbofan engine is key to having long-range missiles. Though India is recently catching up with bigger powers in the efficiency of STFE, it still has to gain experience. All numbers reported could be underestimates. A 1500 km range has also been reported for LR-LACM.

I agree their use of English is contradictory. Why "gradually," which means "slowly"? If you have the technology to increase the range, then test and fix the bugs. There is no need to wait for a certain "Muhurta" for testing such things.