Daily Current Affairs : 13-November-2024
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the first flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). This advanced missile, which has a range of 1,000 kilometers, is a significant addition to India’s defence capabilities. Here’s a closer look at its features, development, and strategic importance.
Key Features of the LRLACM
- Range and Precision: The LRLACM has a striking range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to carry out precision strikes on distant targets with great accuracy. This capability makes it a valuable asset for the Indian armed forces.
- Advanced Technology: The missile is equipped with cutting-edge avionics and software, which enhance its reliability and performance. It is an improved version of the Nirbhay missile, incorporating new features for better functionality.
Development and Design
- Development Process: The LRLACM was developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, with contributions from various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited played key roles as development and production partners.
- Launch Configuration: The missile is designed for flexible launch options, including ground launches using mobile articulated launchers and naval launches from ships. It can be deployed using universal vertical launch modules, ensuring versatility in various combat scenarios.
Strategic Importance
- Long-Range Capability: The LRLACM provides the Indian military with long-range standoff capabilities. This allows India to strike distant targets without entering hostile airspace, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile.
- Defence Strength: This missile significantly strengthens India’s deterrence capability, offering an effective tool for high-value target strikes in both conventional and nuclear warfare scenarios.
Nirbhay Cruise Missile – A Foundation for LRLACM
The LRLACM is an advanced version of the Nirbhay cruise missile, which has been developed to enhance India’s missile arsenal.
- Type and Range: The Nirbhay is a sub-sonic, long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers away.
- Launch and Propulsion: The missile uses a solid booster for launch and a turbojet engine for sustained flight, allowing it to travel long distances efficiently.
- Warhead Options: The Nirbhay missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, with payloads ranging between 200-300 kg. It is also designed for deep penetration, making it effective against high-value targets.
Important Points:
- Successful Test: DRDO conducted the first flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), with a range of 1,000 km.
- Precision Strike: The missile is designed for high-precision strikes on distant targets, enhancing India’s offensive capabilities.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with advanced avionics and software for reliability and performance.
- Development: Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, in collaboration with DRDO labs and Indian industries like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
- Launch Flexibility: Can be launched from mobile ground-based launchers or naval ships using universal vertical launch modules.
- Strategic Significance: Offers long-range standoff capability, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk missile, strengthening India’s defence strategy.
- Approval: The missile was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council in July 2020.
- Nirbhay Cruise Missile: The LRLACM is an enhanced version of the Nirbhay missile, which also has a range of 1,000 km and can carry conventional or nuclear payloads.
- Missile Propulsion: Uses a solid booster for launch and a turbojet engine for sustained flight.
- Warhead Options: Can carry warheads weighing 200-300 kg, suitable for both conventional and nuclear payloads.
- Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s deterrence capability and ensures effective strikes on high-value targets.
Why In News
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a state-of-the-art indigenous missile with a range of 1,000 km, marking a significant advancement in India’s defence technology and enhancing its strategic capabilities.
MCQs about India’s Long-Range Cruise Missile
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What is the range of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) developed by DRDO?
A. 500 km
B. 1,000 km
C. 2,500 km
D. 750 km
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Which Indian organization was primarily responsible for the development of the LRLACM?
A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B. Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru
C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
D. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
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What launch options are available for the LRLACM?
A. Air launch only
B. Ground launch and naval launch
C. Space launch
D. Ground launch and air launch
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Which of the following is a significant feature of the Nirbhay cruise missile, a precursor to the LRLACM?
A. It is a hypersonic missile.
B. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
C. It has a range of 5,000 km.
D. It is only used for air-to-air combat.
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