The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. During the test, all subsystems performed as per expectations. The missile’s performance was monitored by several Range Sensors to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile was also monitored from an Indian Air Force aircraft. The missile demonstrated very low-altitude sea-skimming flight and followed the desired path using waypoint navigation. This successful flight test has also established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru.
The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure better and more reliable performance. It was developed by the DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), along 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.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful flight test of the ITCM and stated that the development of an indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&D. Secretary, Department of Defence- Research and Development (R&D) & Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat also congratulated the entire team of DRDO on the successful conduct of the ITCM launch.
