India's advancements in indigenous defence technology took centre stage at the DEFEA 2025 international defence exhibition, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcasing its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
The presentation of the missile system in Athens has garnered significant interest from global defence circles.
This subsonic cruise missile, possessing a strike capability of 1,000 kilometres, highlights India's expanding expertise in sophisticated missile development and its determined effort towards achieving self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector.
The LRLACM, understood to be an advanced variant of the existing Nirbhay missile family, successfully underwent its maiden flight test on November 12, 2024. This crucial test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, located in the Indian state of Odisha. Primary development of this advanced missile was led by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key DRDO laboratory.
The project also saw vital contributions from other DRDO facilities and prominent Indian industrial partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
Engineered for high-precision strikes against strategic land-based targets, the LRLACM incorporates stealth features; its ability to fly at low altitudes, closely following the terrain, combined with its subsonic speed, makes it challenging for enemy defence systems to detect and intercept effectively.
Cruise missiles like the LRLACM are designed to deliver large warheads over long distances with high accuracy.
During the DEFEA 2025 exposition, the operational versatility of the LRLACM was a prominent highlight. Officials detailed its capability to be launched from mobile, ground-based platforms as well as from frontline naval vessels using a universal vertical launch module system.
Key technological attributes showcased included its state-of-the-art avionics package, its capacity for precise navigation to pre-programmed targets using waypoint navigation (allowing it to follow a complex path), and its ability to execute intricate manoeuvres at various altitudes and speeds.
These features position the LRLACM as a notable system, comparable to well-known international cruise missiles like the Tomahawk of the United States and Russia's Kalibr missile.
The presence of the LRLACM at DEFEA 2025 has reportedly sparked considerable interest among international observers and potential defence partners. There has been some discussion suggesting that nations such as Greece might consider the missile for procurement, particularly given its impressive 1,000-kilometre operational range.
