The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-test of an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) off the coast of Odisha. The test, conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, saw all subsystems performing as expected.
During the test, various Range Sensors such as Radar and Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) were deployed at different locations to closely monitor the missile’s performance. Additionally, monitoring was conducted from a Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
The missile, developed by the Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), showcased its capabilities by following the desired path using waypoint navigation and executing a very low altitude sea-skimming flight.
One of the key successes of the test was the demonstration of the reliability of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru. Equipped with advanced avionics and software, the missile promises better and more reliable performance.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO, praised the entire team for the successful conduct of the ITCM launch, highlighting the collaborative effort involving various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries.