Odisha: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The test, conducted on Thursday, saw all subsystems performing as expected.
Monitoring the missile’s performance were various Range Sensors, including Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
Utilizing way point navigation, the missile followed the desired path and demonstrated a very low altitude sea-skimming flight. This successful flight test also confirmed the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru.
Equipped with advanced avionics and software, the missile ensures better and more reliable performance. Developed by the Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with contributions from other laboratories and Indian industries, the test was witnessed by many senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories, along with representatives from the production partner.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM, highlighting the development of an indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion as a major milestone for Indian defence R&D.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire team of DRDO for the successful conduct of the ITCM launch.
