Milestone Achieved: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone on Thursday with the successful test flight of an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
During the test, all subsystems performed as anticipated, with rigorous monitoring conducted by various Range Sensors such as Radar, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Telemetry deployed by ITR at strategic locations to ensure comprehensive coverage of the flight path, according to the news agency ANI.
#WATCH | DRDO conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024
During the test, all subsystems performed as per expectation. The missile performance was monitored by… pic.twitter.com/En4sJVImU8
The flight of the missile was closely observed by an IAF Su-30-Mk-I aircraft.
“The missile adeptly followed the intended trajectory using waypoint navigation and showcased remarkable performance in very low altitude sea-skimming flight,” stated the Defence Ministry in a release.
The successful flight test also underscored the dependable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, the release emphasized.
Commending the DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked, “The successful development of an indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a significant milestone for Indian defence R&D.”
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, extended his congratulations to the entire DRDO team for the successful conduct of the ITCM launch.
Equipped with advanced avionics and software, the ITCM missile ensures superior and more reliable performance.
Developed by the Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with contributions from other laboratories and Indian industries, the ITCM signifies a major advancement in indigenous defence capabilities.
Earlier, on April 14, the Indian Army conducted successful field trials of the indigenously-developed man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) weapon system, clearing the path for its induction into the force’s arsenal.
Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the MPATGM system comprises the missile, launchers, target acquisition device, and a fire control unit, making it suitable for day and night operations.