The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) off the coast of Odisha. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur. All subsystems performed as expected during the test.
Various range sensors, including radar and Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), were deployed by ITR at different locations to monitor the missile’s performance. Additionally, the flight was monitored from an Indian Air Force Su-30-Mk-I aircraft. The missile followed its intended path using waypoint navigation and demonstrated low-altitude sea-skimming flight.
The successful flight test confirmed the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru. The missile is also equipped with advanced avionics and software for improved performance and reliability.
The ITCM was developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO laboratory based in Bengaluru, with contributions from other Indian laboratories and industries. Senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories and representatives from production partners witnessed the test.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful test, highlighting the significance of developing an indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile with indigenous propulsion. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence-Research and Development (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO, also commended the entire team for their achievement.
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