Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired the long-range ‘Nirbhay cruise missile’ at the Integrated Test Range Chandipur in Odisha.The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is fitted with an Indian-made Manik turbofan engine. Besides, Indigenous Propulsion System (IPS) is also present in this Nirbhay cruise missile.
Will be deployed on the border with China and Pakistan
- After being inducted into the army, Nirbhay missiles can be deployed on the border with China and Pakistan. The entire Pakistan and many areas including Afghanistan’s capital Kabul will be within the reach of ‘Nirbhay Cruise Missile’.
Nirbhay cruise missile can be fired from both water and land
- It can be fired from missile launchers from both sea and land. It is expected that after joining the army, these missiles will be deployed on the border with China.
Features of Nirbhay Cruise Missile
- The Nirbhay cruise missile is 6 meters long and 0.52 meters wide. The total length of its wings is 2.7 meters.
- This missile is equipped with hugging capability, which is very difficult to deactivate after hitting the target.
- It is a two-stage missile, in which liquid fuel is used in the first stage.
- This missile can carry warheads up to 300 kg and has a maximum range of 1500 km.
- It can destroy the target by flying 50 meters above the ground and 4 km above the sea.
- It can destroy the target by changing its direction en route.