DRDO successfully tests Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile

On Thursday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

During the testing, all subsystems operated as expected. Several Range Sensors like as Radar, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Telemetry installed by ITR at various places were used to monitor missile performance and assure thorough coverage of the flight path, according to ANI.

The flight of the missile was also tracked by an IAF Su-30-Mk-I aircraft. “The missile followed the desired path using waypoint navigation and demonstrated very low altitude sea-skimming flight,” the Defence Ministry said in a release.

Congratulating the DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said,

“The successful development of indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&D.”

The ITCM missile is also outfitted with modern avionics and software to provide improved and more consistent performance.

The missile is being developed by the Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with assistance from other institutes and Indian companies.

Earlier, on April 14, the Indian Army successfully conducted field trials of an indigenously built man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) weapon system, opening the path for its integration into the force’s arsenal.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created and developed the weapon system, according to officials.

The total system included the MPATGM, launchers, a target acquisition device, and a fire control unit. The weapon system is well-equipped for operation in both day and night.

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