In a significant move to bolster the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy are gearing up for a launch test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) by the end of this year.
This missile can target objectives as far away as 1000 kilometers. The test marks a crucial step towards providing India with a versatile and long-range subsonic cruise missile.
The ITCM is an advanced version of the Nirbhay cruise missile project. A subsonic missile, it can precisely strike both land and sea targets, with a range of 1000 kilometers. Equipped with advanced avionics, superior navigation, and ground-hugging capabilities, it evades enemy radar effortlessly.
The ITCM is being developed in multiple platforms to ensure it can perform universally. Let's explore these variations...
Submarine Launch (SLCM): This successful test occurred in February 2023. Launching from submarines underwater, it enhances India's underwater strike capabilities.
Ground Launch (LRLACM): The first test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile was on November 12, 2024, at Odisha's Chandipur Integrated Test Range. It was fired from a mobile launcher, demonstrating a 1000 km range and pinpoint navigation.
Airplane Launch: Under development, the plan includes deployment on Indian Air Force's SU-30 MKI and Rafale jets for long-range attacks.
Ship Launch: This variant will be tested soon, firing from Navy warships to precisely target foes from afar.
For this test, DRDO is crafting a temporary Vertical Launch System (VLS) specially designed for warships. This launcher will facilitate missile deployment from ships seamlessly. Replacing old Russian UKSK cells, the Indian Navy is adopting Universal Vertical Launch Modules (UVLM) to deploy multiple missiles like BrahMos and ITCM from one location.
The primary focus of the test is integrating the missile with the ship's radar system. The missile's guidance and navigation will align with the ship's multifunction radar and combat management system, simplifying target discovery and strike. The indigenous radio frequency seeker, effective in previous tests, will play a pivotal role in precise targeting during the trial.
The BrahMos remains the main assault missile of the Indian Navy, being supersonic. Currently being upgraded to a 900 km range, BrahMos complements ITCM's ability to strike at 1000 km. As a subsonic missile, ITCM is cost-effective, apt for long-distance precision strikes. Together, these missiles will fortify the Navy's defenses.
Source: aajtak
If successful, the Indian Navy plans to purchase around 200 LRLACM missiles, costing approximately 5000 crores. The ship-launched ITCM will enhance the Navy's conventional deterrence, countering China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan's maritime power.
This test will showcase India's indigenous weapon-making prowess to the world. The collaboration between DRDO and the navy teams is providing India with a robust defense system. Soon, this missile will be a new weapon in our navy's arsenal.
