DRDO conducts successful test flight of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) off Odisha coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on Thursday, April 18, that it has conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. According to a Defence Ministry release, all subsystems performed satisfactorily during the test.

As per the release, ITR had deployed several Range Sensors such as Radar, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Telemetry at various locations to monitor missile performance to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The missile's flight was also monitored by Indian Air Force Su-30-Mk-I aircraft.

The missile used waypoint navigation to follow the desired path and flew at very low altitudes over the sea. 

The release added that this successful flight test has also established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru.

The missile is also fitted with advanced avionics and software to ensure improved and more consistent performance. The missile is being developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with assistance from other laboratories and Indian industries. 

The test was witnessed by many senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories, as well as representatives from the production partner, according to the release.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful flight test of the ITCM, saying that the successful development of indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&D.

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile successfully flight-tested by @DRDO_India off the Odisha coast

Union Defence Minister @rajnathsingh congratulated DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM and stated that successful development of indigenous long range subsonic… pic.twitter.com/fQDgDMBRsL

— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 18, 2024

Secretary, Department of Defence- Research and Development (R&D) & Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire team of DRDO on the successful conduct of the ITCM launch. 

(With agency inputs)