India has successfully conducted the flight test of an indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile capable of striking targets more than 1,000 kilometres away, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence capabilities.
The missile was tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. Officials said the test met all mission objectives, with the missile accurately following its planned flight path and successfully hitting the designated target.
The long-range cruise missile has been developed entirely within the country and is designed to carry out precision strikes against strategic land targets. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles fly at lower altitudes and can manoeuvre during flight, making them more difficult to detect and intercept.
The missile is equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems that enable it to travel long distances with high accuracy. It is also designed to operate in diverse terrains and weather conditions, giving the armed forces greater operational flexibility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the teams involved in the project, describing the successful test as a major step towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance in critical technologies.
Military experts said a cruise missile with a strike range exceeding 1,000 kilometres significantly enhances India’s ability to carry out precision operations against distant targets while maintaining strategic deterrence.
For the scientists, engineers and technicians involved in the project, the successful test was the result of years of research, development and repeated trials. Defence officials said the achievement reflects the growing maturity of India’s indigenous missile development programme and its focus on reducing dependence on imported systems.
The successful trial comes at a time when India is investing heavily in indigenous defence manufacturing under the government’s push for self-reliance. Several homegrown missile systems, drones, radars and advanced weapon platforms have been developed in recent years as part of this effort.
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