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India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing the development of a new submarine-launched Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) designed to strike targets up to 1500 kilometres away.
This significant project builds upon the established technology of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) programme and aims to substantially boost the Indian Navy's underwater offensive power.
Officials associated with the project confirm that the missile is being engineered for broad compatibility, enabling its launch from the standard torpedo tubes of existing submarines. This includes the Indian Navy's current Kilo-class (Sindhughosh) and Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines.
Furthermore, the missile is planned for integration into future platforms, such as the submarines expected under Project-75I (potentially the German U-214NG design), the domestically developed Project-76 submarines, and the nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) scheduled for introduction after 2030.
Minor design modifications are currently being implemented to achieve the Navy's specified extended range requirement.
This new LACM is an evolution of the subsonic Nirbhay/ITCM missile family. It utilises the proven Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and incorporates sophisticated navigation systems refined through numerous developmental tests since 2013.
The decision to focus on torpedo tube launch capability ensures the missile can be deployed across India's diverse submarine fleet without requiring extensive modifications to the vessels. This universality is crucial for maintaining a credible underwater deterrent, particularly considering the size and capabilities of submarine fleets operated by potential adversaries in the region.
The missile's physical dimensions, estimated to be around 5.6-6 meters in length and 505-520 mm in diameter based on ITCM specifications, are tailored to fit the standard 533 mm torpedo tubes common on Indian Navy submarines.
This compatibility extends to the anticipated Project-75I submarines, which are expected to feature Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and the planned six indigenous Project-76 diesel-electric submarines, which aim for high indigenous content.
The six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), approved by the government in 2024, will also be equipped with this weapon system, further enhancing India's strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
DRDO sources indicate the submarine-launched LACM is expected to be ready for deployment by 2028, with underwater trials potentially commencing within the next few years.
This submarine variant differs from the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) designed for warships, which requires Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) but shares the 1500 km range capability. Pursuing both VLS and torpedo-tube launched versions offers the Navy strategic flexibility across different types of naval platforms.
The 1500 km range represents a substantial increase compared to earlier systems, enabling the Navy to engage distant land targets while submarines remain at safer standoff distances.
The missile employs a combination of Inertial Navigation System (INS), GPS, Radio Frequency (RF) seekers, and Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) for high accuracy during the terminal phase of flight.
Flying at subsonic speeds (approximately Mach 0.7), it is designed to carry a conventional warhead weighing around 300 kg, potentially offering a future option for other payload types, enhancing India's conventional strategic deterrence capabilities.
