DRDO Secretly Tested Indigenous Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a covert test of its upcoming submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) earlier this year. The SLCM, designed to be deployed from submarine torpedo tubes, is believed to be derived from the land-attack Nirbhay cruise missile.

As per information shared on a poster by ANI on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), exhibited at the DRDO stall during the Dubai Air Show, the missile underwent successful testing in February 2023. The test achieved its objectives by accurately striking a target at a range of 402 kilometers.

Described on the poster, the missile measures 5.6 meters in length, weighs 975 kg, and has a compact diameter of 505 mm. The SLCM will be available in two variants: a land attack cruise missile and an anti-ship cruise missile.

For midcourse navigation, the SLCM utilizes an Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (GPS)-based Global Navigation Satellite System, coupled with an active radio frequency radar seeker for precise terminal guidance.

The missile is propelled by a solid-fuelled rocket motor booster, reaching a predetermined altitude and velocity before the booster separates. Subsequently, a turbofan-based sustainer engine propels the missile throughout its flight.

Key technologies were validated during the February test, including thrust vector control for precise targeting, in-flight wing deployment, and in-flight engine start.

The SLCM offers flexibility with two warhead options: a precision-cum-blast for penetrating bunkers and destroying strategic targets, and an airburst warhead for wide-area impact, targeting soft-skinned objectives.

Operating at a speed of 0.7 Mach, the SLCM is expected to be integrated into submarines such as the Kalvari class, Sindhughosh class, and potentially the Project-75I class. ANI reports suggest that the missile 500-kilometer strike range may be extended in the future.

This development follows recent considerations by the Indian government to incorporate a substantial number of Nirbhay cruise missiles across all three armed services. In contrast to the new SLCM, the Nirbhay boasts a longer range of over 1,000 kilometers, a greater weight exceeding 1,450 kg, and a length of 6 meters.