DRDO Plans the Maiden Launch of NIRBHAY Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile for the IAF this Year
By R Anil Kumar
Bengaluru, September 21. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is planning the maiden launch of the Long-Range Nirbhay Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) this year. This missile is a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defence capabilities said Dr. Samir V.Kamat.
Nirbhay is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under DRDO. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, making it a versatile asset for India’s military. The missile can be launched from various platforms, including land, sea, and air, highlighting its adaptability in different combat scenarios, the DRDO Chief said.
As of February 2023, DRDO announced the completion of the Nirbhay cruise missile development project after successfully conducting six developmental trials. The missile has demonstrated a single-shot kill ratio exceeding 90%, underscoring its precision targeting capabilities.
The upcoming launch for the IAF marks a critical step in operationalizing the Nirbhay missile system. This will not only enhance India’s strike capabilities but also bolster its strategic deterrence posture in the region, Dr.Kamat said.
DRDO is also working on various variants of the Nirbhay missile, including air-launched and submarine-launched versions. The missile’s design allows for modifications to accommodate different types of payloads and mission profiles. Additionally, a ship-launched version is currently undergoing developmental trials, further expanding its operational versatility, he said.
Earlier, Delivering his address at the 15th Edition of Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre (L M Katre), Memorial Lecture organised by Air Force Association, Karnataka, and held at HAL Auditorium, in Bengaluru, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), spoke about the transition driven by rapid technological advancements and disruptive technologies that are transforming warfare in the present multipolar world.
He highlighted India’s strategic potential to impact the technology landscape and stressed the importance of preparedness for emerging conflicts.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)plays a pivotal role in this, supported by academia and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Dr. Kamat stated.
The DRDO Chief outlined the progress in various defence sectors, including missile systems, armoured vehicles, and aeronautics, while acknowledging challenges such as next semiconductor production and the need for global supply chain integration.
He also emphasised initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India to boost self-reliance and technological innovation, with a focus on -generation platforms and advanced technologies.
Despite current R&D spending challenges, efforts are underway to increase private sector involvement and foster a risk-taking culture to drive innovation.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat started his lecture by highlighting the significant transformation from a unipolar to a multi-polar world order which is accompanied by an accelerating rate of technological change and the emergence of disruptive technologies, which are reshaping the nature of warfare.
Dr. Kamat emphasised that India is strategically positioned to influence the evolving technology landscape, necessitating a focused approach to emerging technological domains. The accelerating rate of evolution of disruptive technologies, particularly in cyber and information domain, are reshaping modern combat, underscoring the need for preparedness before the rise of any major conflicts.
The defence research and development (R&D) landscape is primarily driven by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with significant support from academia and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Dr. Kamat highlighted the role of the DRDO and its responsibility to design and development of defence systems, which are subsequently produced by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or private industries through Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements.
India’s defence sector encompasses a broad spectrum of systems, including ballistic missiles, armoured vehicles, artillery, small arms, and advancements in aerospace and aeronautics.
Significant progress has been made in various technological domains within the defence sector. In missile systems, the development of surface-to-air and cruise missiles, including the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), alongside advanced anti-tank missile systems and multi-barrel rocket systems, highlight the strides in enhancing defence capabilities.
For armoured vehicles and land systems, innovations include the creation of lightweight single-span mountain footbridges (MFB) and 46-meter MLC-70 modular bridges, as well as lightweight advanced infantry floating footbridges and various military bridging systems and land-based platforms
In aeronautics, the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-IA has been a key focus, along with DRDO Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS). However, challenges remain, particularly in semiconductor device production and the need for investment in critical material processing facilities.
Additionally, Dr. Kamat stressed that integrating into the global supply chain is crucial for economic viability and reducing reliance on imports.
In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and a leader in defence technology, initiatives such as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ are being vigorously pursued. These include enhancing technological capabilities through initiatives like the Defence Production Partner concept and fostering collaboration with industries for design, development, and production. Streamlining technology transfers and modifying policies to alleviate royalty burdens are part of this vision. Efforts to increase capacity through partnerships with educational institutions and promote innovation via contests and funding are underway, with a focus on developing complex systems and disruptive technologies.
Dr. Kamat emphasised prioritising next-generation platforms like advanced combat aircraft, high-endurance autonomous underwater vehicles, and future-ready combat vehicles, along with next-gen weapons and sensors such as long-range precision strike capabilities, laser and microwave weapons, and advanced propulsion technologies. Balancing speed and accuracy in new technologies and emphasising space and satellite technologies for defence are key future challenges and opportunities. Overall, the lecture outlined India’s strategic direction in defence technology, highlighting achievements, challenges, and plans for innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.
Dr. Kamat mentioned that significant progress has been made in various technological domains. In addition, there is a concerted push towards improving space situational awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), with particular emphasis on space-based ISR capabilities. Cyber capabilities and secure communication technologies, such as quantum communication, are also being prioritised.
Key areas of focus in research and development include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), quantum technologies encompassing communication, sensing, and computing, as well as cognitive and anti-stealth technologies. Efforts are also being directed towards hypersonic missile defence and directed energy weapons, alongside advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, including post-quantum cryptography.
He further stated that initiatives have been undertaken to establish laboratories for young scientists to foster innovation within a start-up culture. This includes collaboration with academia and industry to develop cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the establishment of industry-academia centres of excellence aim to advance domain-specific technologies.
Despite challenges such as low research and development (R&D) spending (currently at 0.65 percent of GDP) compared to other countries, strategies are being implemented to increase private sector involvement in R&D.
There is also a push to cultivate a risk-taking mindset to drive innovation and establish leadership in technology. However, for the private sector to effectively engage in risk-taking, improved government policies are necessary and at present, there is a strong emphasis on shifting mindsets to embrace and learn from failures. While challenges exist, there is an optimistic outlook towards achieving the set goals through the right strategies and support mechanisms, Dr. Kamat stated.
Delivering his address, Dr. D K Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, (HAL), termed Air Chief Marshal L M Katre a great visionary who laid the ground work for India’s self- reliance in the defence sector.
Air Chief Marshal Katre who had served the Country’s defence sector in various capacities was the man behind the two major projects, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA- TEJAS), and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV). It was during his regime the two projects were conceptualised and have today become the Symbols of National Pride, Dr. Sunil stated.
HAL has been showing its commitment in taking the legacy and journey forward, the Chief added.
A commemorative Souvenir was released by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO, on the occasion.
The programme began with a welcome address by Air Marshal H B Rajaram (Retd), President AFA, who in his address explained the genesis of this annual event and underscored the contribution of the late Air Chief, L M Katre, which spanned for over four-decades in aviation domain.
The event was attended by large number of professionals from the Indian Air Force, (IAF), DRDO, HAL and members from various private sector.
