The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy are set to test a ship-launched version of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) later this year. Designed to strike targets up to 1,000 km away, the missile will be fired from a specially developed makeshift vertical launch system (VLS) for warships. This marks a major milestone in India’s development of a versatile, long-range cruise missile system integrated with naval radar and combat systems.
Missile Capabilities and Variants
The ITCM is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile, evolved from the Nirbhay project, capable of precision strikes against both land and sea targets. Key features include advanced avionics, waypoint navigation, and terrain-hugging abilities to evade detection. Multiple variants are being developed for operational flexibility:
- Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM): Successfully tested in February 2023, designed for underwater launches from submarines.
- Land-Based Variant (LRLACM): Maiden flight on November 12, 2024, validated 1,000 km range and precision navigation from a mobile launcher at Chandipur, Odisha.
- Air-Launched Variant: Under development to equip aircraft like Su-30 MKI and Rafale with long-range strike capabilities.
- Ship-Launched Variant: Upcoming test will integrate the missile with naval warships to provide a powerful stand-off strike option.
Complementing Existing Naval Capabilities
The ship-launched ITCM is expected to complement the supersonic BrahMos missile. While BrahMos is being upgraded to 900 km, the ITCM’s 1,000 km range and subsonic profile offer a cost-effective alternative for engaging distant targets with high precision.
Test Preparations and Launch Systems
DRDO is producing a makeshift VLS for warships, enabling frontline vessels like destroyers and frigates to fire the ITCM. The Indian Navy is moving towards Universal Vertical Launch Modules (UVLMs), replacing older Russian UKSK cells, allowing flexible launches of multiple missile types including ITCM and BrahMos.
Integration with Naval Systems
A key part of the upcoming test is synchronizing the ITCM with ship radar and combat management systems. The missile’s indigenous radio-frequency seeker, which has performed reliably in other tests, will be critical for precision targeting during the ship-launched trial.
Future Orders and Strategic Impact
The Indian Navy plans to acquire around 200 LRLACMs, worth roughly Rs 5,000 crore, pending successful trials. The ship-launched ITCM will strengthen conventional deterrence, providing India with a credible maritime strike capability to counter regional threats, including China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan’s maritime assets.
