First Test of Nirbhay Cruise Missile Achieved Partial Success

The first test of Nirbhay cruise missile achieved partial success at Chandipur, Odisha on 12 March 2013. Nirbhay cruise missile was developed by Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) and is one of the most challenging technology projects of India.

About Nirbhay cruise missile

• Nirbhay cruise missile is the Indian edition of Tomahawk cruise missile if the US military. The Tomahawk cruise missile is the symbol of high-tech warfare.
• Nirbhay cruise missile is the long-range missile which has the 1000-2000 km range.
• It is the subsonic cruise missile, which means that it is the below the speed of sound, 1236 kmph.
• Nirbhay cruise missile is a very important system which flies in heavily-defended enemy airspace.

Nirbhay cruise missile was launched from the Interim Test Range at Chandipur, where most of the military missiles are tested. The missile flew for over 200 km along Odisha coast, but after 15 minutes, it deviated from the path. Though the test was not successful, but it was verified that missile was able to take off with precision.

What is the hurdle in developing long-range cruise missile?

The major obstacle in development of long-range cruise missile is Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). MTCR forbids the signatories to assist or provide technology to other country that is developing the cruise missile with 300 km or more range.

It is important to note that Pakistan is leading in terms of cruise missile. It has successfully tested and deployed the Hatf VII cruise missile.