Imagine a missile flying low, hugging the terrain, slipping past enemy radars, and striking targets with pinpoint accuracy hundreds of kilometres away. This is India’s long range land attack cruise missile (LR LACM) — designed by DRDO to deliver precision strikes and strengthen national security.
The LR LACM made its international debut at the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition in Greece, where India showcased its 1,000 km strike power and advanced guidance technology. As reported by DefenceNewsIndia, this marks a proud milestone in India’s indigenous missile development.
In this guide, you’ll uncover the missile’s range, design, global comparisons, and why it’s a game-changer for India’s defence. Stay with us — the details ahead are worth your time.
What is a Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile?
A long range land attack cruise missile is designed to hit strategic land targets with high accuracy from far distances. Unlike ballistic missiles that soar high into the atmosphere, cruise missiles fly at low levels, blending with the terrain to evade radar and strike with precision. They carry specific cruise missile payloads, like high-explosive or penetration warheads, and rely on advanced cruise missile guidance systems for precision strikes.
India’s LR LACM is part of its growing cruise missile program, designed for precision deep strikes.
India’s Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile: Key Highlights
This missile, developed by DRDO, reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. Here’s what makes it special:
- Developed by: DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), with BDL and BEL as key partners.
- Platform: Based on the proven Nirbhay cruise missile, but with upgraded range, stealth, and avionics
- Launch: Compatible with mobile land platforms and naval ship vertical launch systems
- Navigation: Equipped with terrain contour matching, inertial navigation, GPS, and NavIC
- Role: Supports the future Integrated Rocket Force for precision stand-off strikes
What is the Range of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile?
India’s LR LACM has a strike range of approximately 1,000 km, as demonstrated during successful tests by DRDO. This allows the missile to engage targets deep inside hostile territory while keeping Indian forces out of harm’s way. The range provides flexibility in targeting, offering the armed forces the ability to plan complex operations against critical infrastructure.
LR LACM vs Other Indian Missiles
1. Which Missile Has a 16,000 km Range in India?
India does not operate a cruise missile with such a range. The Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile, under development, is projected to cover 12,000 to 16,000 km. This system is part of India’s strategic missile arsenal, not its cruise missile inventory. Such ICBMs are primarily designed for strategic deterrence rather than precision strikes.
2. Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile
- Cruise Missile: Flies low, follows terrain, powered throughout flight, designed for precision targeting. It can be launched from various platforms and offers flexibility in combat scenarios.
- Ballistic Missile: Follows a high-arc trajectory into space and back, powered during boost phase, mainly used for strategic deterrence over long ranges. Ballistic missiles are generally much faster and have a greater range, but lack the precision of cruise missiles.
Global Context: What is the Longest-Range Cruise Missile?
The longest-range cruise missiles in service or development include:
- Kh-101/102 — over 5,500 km, nuclear-capable. These missiles are part of Russia’s strategic strike force and are designed to evade modern air defences with stealthy profiles. They are typically launched from bombers, adding to their operational flexibility.
- AGM-181A LRSO — estimated 2,400+ km, stealth, nuclear-capable. This next-generation missile will equip U.S. B-52 and B-21 bombers, designed to ensure penetration against advanced air defence systems and contribute to the nuclear triad.
- Deep Precision Strike Missile — ~2,000 km (under development). This project reflects Europe’s ambition to have indigenous long-range strike capabilities that can support NATO operations and enhance strategic autonomy.
India’s LR LACM fits in the medium-long range cruise missile category, ideal for regional precision missions while maintaining strategic balance in South Asia.
While India’s LR LACM doesn’t match the extreme ranges of superpower cruise missiles, it signals the nation’s growing ability to field world-class precision strike systems — a strength proudly showcased at DEFEA 2025.
Land Attack Cruise Missile Specifications
1. Range: 1,000 km
This range ensures India can target enemy air bases, radar stations, and logistics hubs deep inside hostile territory without crossing national borders. It provides valuable stand-off capability during conflicts.
2. Payload: 200–300 kg high-explosive or penetration warhead
The payload can be adapted depending on mission needs, whether it’s to neutralise fortified bunkers or disrupt command centres. This versatility makes the missile suitable for a variety of tactical scenarios.
3. Speed: Subsonic
Flying at subsonic speeds helps maintain stability during flight and allows for better control over the missile’s path. Combined with low-level flight, it minimises the chance of detection by enemy air defence systems.
4. Guidance: Inertial, GPS/NavIC, terrain contour matching
The guidance system ensures precision even when GPS signals are jammed or degraded. Terrain contour matching allows the missile to navigate complex landscapes accurately, enhancing survivability against modern air defences.
5. Launch Platforms: Mobile land-based launchers and ship-based vertical launch systems
This flexibility means the missile can be deployed quickly in diverse operational settings, from coastal ships to hidden land bases. It supports both defensive and offensive missions with minimal preparation time.
The LR LACM’s Strategic Role
This DRDO-designed missile strengthens India’s ability to conduct deep, precise strikes against high-value targets. It:
- Enhances India’s stand-off strike capability
- Contributes to credible minimum deterrence
- Demonstrates technological self-reliance
It also signals to adversaries that India can conduct precision operations without escalating to strategic weapons.
What is the deadliest Cruise Missile in the World?
Among the most lethal cruise missiles globally are:
- Kh-102 (Russia) — nuclear-capable, long-range, designed to evade air defences with stealth features and decoys.
- AGM-181A LRSO (USA) — stealthy, nuclear-capable, equipped with advanced countermeasure systems to defeat modern air defence networks.
- Kalibr (Russia) — versatile, battle-tested, capable of both land and maritime strikes, and widely exported.
India’s LR LACM focuses on precision strike within the region rather than strategic nuclear delivery.
FAQs on LR LACM
- What is the range of LR LACM?: About 1,000 km, verified through successful DRDO trials.
- Who developed India’s long range land attack cruise missile?: The missile was developed by DRDO, with BDL and BEL contributions.
- Which Indian missile has a 16,000 km range?: That would be the Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile, still under development.
- How is a cruise missile different from a ballistic missile?: Cruise missiles are low-flying, precise weapons; ballistic missiles are designed for long-range, high-arc strategic strikes.
Conclusion
India’s LR LACM represents a major leap in indigenous precision strike capabilities. With its 1,000 km range, advanced guidance, and flexible deployment, it reinforces India’s defence posture and supports its vision of strategic autonomy in high-end military technology.