Nirbhay

File:Nirbhay missiles during Republic Day Parade 2018.jpg

Nirbhay missiles are powered by a solid rocket booster for take off, which is developed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL). Upon reaching the required velocity and height, a turbofan engine in the missile takes over for further propulsion. The missile is guided by an inertial navigation system developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and a radio altimeter for the height determination.{{cite web|last1=Menon|first1=Jay|title=India To Fly Subsonic Cruise Missile|url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/india-fly-subsonic-cruise-missile|website=Aviation Week|publisher=AWIN First|date=25 January 2013|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210074805/http://aviationweek.com/defense/india-fly-subsonic-cruise-missile|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=|date=9 January 2018|title=Long-range cruise missile 'Nirbhay' test-fired|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/longrange-cruise-missile-nirbhay-testfired/article9946323.ece|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Business Line|language=en}} The missile has a ring laser gyroscope (RLG) based guidance, control and navigation system. It also has a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based inertial navigation system (INS) along with the GPS/NavIC system.{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=173291|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=2017-11-08}} The missile has a length of 6 metres, width of 0.52 metres, a wing span of 2.7 metres and weighs about 1500 kg. It has a range of about 1500 km and is capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission requirements between 200 and 300 kg.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-test-fires-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay/articleshow/61543937.cms|title=India test fires subsonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay'|date=2018-01-27|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-02-06}}{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/nuke-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missile-fails-again-flight-aborted/|title=Nuke-capable Nirbhay cruise missile fails again, flight aborted|date=2015-10-17|website=The Indian Express|access-date=2015-10-22}}{{cite web|last=Joseph|first=Josy|date=21 July 2007|title=Nirbhay to beef up missile muscle|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1111269|access-date=1 October 2021|work=DNA India}}

The missile is claimed to have sea-skimming and loitering capability, i.e., it can circle around a target and perform several manoeuvres and then re-engage it. It is also able to pick out a target and attack it among multiple targets.{{cite news|last=T. S. Subramanian|title=Nirbhay likely to be test-fired in April|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2968219.ece|access-date=10 March 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=March 2012|location=Chennai, India}} With two side wings, the missile is capable of flying at different altitudes ranging from 50 m to 4 km above the ground and can also fly at low altitudes (like low tree level) to avoid detection by enemy radar.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-25/india/36547436_1_cruise-missile-brahmos-km-range|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216070154/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-25/india/36547436_1_cruise-missile-brahmos-km-range|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2013|title=India to test subsonic cruise missile in February|date=25 January 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513092221/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 May 2008|work=The Hindu|title=DRDO developing hypersonic missile|date=2008-05-09|access-date=8 October 2015}} It will eventually supplement the role played by the BrahMos missile for the Indian Armed Forces by delivering warheads farther than the 450 km range.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/brahmos-cruise-missile-range-to-increase-to-450km-drdo-chief/story-iJi2AKJBlEblDEyoxnLyKO.html|title=From 290 km to 450 km: India to soon test extended range BrahMos missile|date=15 February 2017|access-date=7 November 2017}}

After the design was finalized, the technology required for the missile was developed. It was integrated by Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), a specialized arm of DRDO. Tata Motors has built the vehicle that is the carrier/launcher for the Nirbhay system and is based on a "high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive Tata LPTA 5252-12×12 vehicle", developed in partnership with DRDO.{{cite web |title=Tata Motors' Defence Vehicles |url=http://tatamotors.com/pdf/defence-expo-2012-background-note.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525065100/http://tatamotors.com/pdf/defence-expo-2012-background-note.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2012 |access-date=19 January 2013 |work=DEFEXPO 2012 |publisher=Tata Motors}} The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Bengaluru: 1.2m trisonic wind tunnel at National Aerospace Laboratories completes 55 years of service |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bengaluru-12m-trisonic-wind-tunnel-at-national-aerospace-laboratories-completes-55-years-of-service20220606001500/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=ANI |language=en}}

DRDO announced the completion of the Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023 after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) programme. It will include Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and a radio-frequency (RF) seeker from Research Centre Imarat (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development.{{Cite web|title=India set to develop long range, land attack cruise missile|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/06/india-defexpo-long-range-land-attack-cruise-missile.html|access-date=2020-02-06|website=OnManorama|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dahlgren |first=Masao |date=2020-02-07 |title=India Reveals New Cruise, Antiship Missiles |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/india-reveals-new-cruise-antiship-missiles/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Missile Threat - Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Defence Project |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |title=Nuke triad proven, India to build conventional missile deterrent |author=Shishir Gupta |date=17 April 2023 |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419114957/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nuke-triad-proven-india-to-build-conventional-missile-deterrent-101681711263371.html |archive-date=19 April 2023|url-status=live}}

The standard Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine.

The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile, abbreviated as ITCM, is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The ITCM is a technology demonstrator programme to validate the capability of STFE, upgraded radio frequency (RF) seekers, and other subsystems. The main objective of this programme to achieve 100% indigenous contents in the cruise missile.{{Cite web |title=Cruise control: India accelerates development of tactical missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/cruise-control-india-accelerates-development-of-tactical-missiles |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}

The Long Range-Land Attack Cruise Missile, abbreviated as LR-LACM, is a longer range variant of the Nirbhay with a range up to 1,500 km. This missile would be operated by both the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force when development is complete. This missile would be compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells used for BrahMos used by the Navy on frontline waships.{{Cite web |title=DefExpo: Indian Navy to get new cruise missile for land-attack missions |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/06/defexpo-indian-navy-to-get-new-cruise-missile-for-land-attack-missions.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=The Week |language=en}} It will weigh about one tonne, have a length of 6 m and diameter of 0.52 m. The missile is designed to have two tapering-chord fold-out wings with a span of 2.7 m. The missile would be equipped with Small Turbofan Engines (STFEs), upgraded radio frequency (RF) seekers, and other subsystems.{{Cite web |title=India approves AoN to acquire Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-approves-aon-to-acquire-long-range-land-attack-cruise-missile |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of the missile for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in February 2024 and November 2023 at the cost of {{INRConvert|4000|c|lk=on|year=2024}} and {{INRConvert|10000|c|lk=off|year=2024}}, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2024-11-17 |title=India Conducts Maiden Tests of Long Range Hypersonic and Subsonic Naval Missiles |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/11/india-conducts-maiden-tests-of-long-range-hypersonic-and-subsonic-naval-missiles/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}

The Acceptance of Necessity for the missile project has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister. The project has gained Mission Mode status. The development-cum-production partners of the missile are Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics Limited. The missile was first tested on 12 November 2024.

A report in early September 2024 suggested that a ship-launched anti-ship variant of the LR-LACM would be tested within 12-18 months. The test will conducted from the Universal Vertical Launcher Module (UVLM), which was originally developed by BrahMos Aerospace-L&T for delivering BrahMos missiles from Indian Naval Ships.{{Cite web |title=DefExpo20 BrahMos Aerospace |url=https://brahmand.com/defexpo20/# |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=brahmand.com}} This integration will reduce the changes required onboard the variety of ships which is already fitted with these launch systems. The development has begun with the testing of ITCM system for its sea-skimming capabilities in April 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation to Develop Nirbhay Anti-Ship Naval Variant |url=https://militaryleak.com/2024/09/03/indian-defence-research-and-development-organisation-to-develop-nirbhay-anti-ship-naval-variant/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=militaryleak.com}}

The Submarine Launched Cruise Missile, abbreviated as SLCM, is the submarine-launched variant designed to launch from torpedo tubes of submarines. It is a compact version of Nirbhay missile. It has a stated range of 500 km, with a length of 5.6 meter, diameter of 0.505 meter, all up weight of 975 kg and Mach 0.7 speed. It would feature INS/GPS navigation, with an RF seeker for terminal guidance. There are plans to extend the missile's range to 800 km. During flight, SLCMs follow a low altitude trajectory. They skim close to the surface to stay out of the radar systems' altitude range. It comes with two variants: a Land attack cruise missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM).{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2023-12-14 |title=India Focuses on Long Range Naval Missiles Development |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/india-focuses-on-long-range-naval-missiles-development/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}

The missile shall be a part of the weapons package of Project 75(I) submarines.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-15 |title=India likely to test 500 km strike range submarine launched cruise missile in March |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-test-500-km-strike-range-submarine-launched-cruise-missile-in-march/articleshow/107717199.cms |access-date=2024-02-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The missile would be tested initially on Sindhughosh-class submarines.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Ritu |date=2024-02-25 |title=India Develops Its Own 'Rocket Force' Akin To China's PLARF; Aims To Counter Beijing's Asymmetric Edge |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/akin-to-chinas-plarf-india-is-developing-its-own-new/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}} The missile is under development trial stage.

The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,{{cite web |title=Mangalorean.com - Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World |url=http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206001710/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |access-date=8 October 2015}}{{cite web |title='Nirbhay' missile set for test-firing next month |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nirbhay-missile-set-for-test-firing-next-month/articleshow/16257102.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908180721/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-05/india/33615016_1_inter-continental-ballistic-missile-missile-project-stealth-missile |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=8 October 2015 |work=The Times of India}} but the launch was postponed to December owing to the changes being made to the launcher. V. K. Saraswat, Director General & Scientific Adviser of DRDO, later said that the missile would be tested in February 2013. He said the delay was due to development of some processes. DRDO expected the missile to be ready for induction within 12 to 18 months after the February test.{{cite news |date=25 January 2013 |title=India to launch sub-sonic missile, Nirbhay, next month: DRDO |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-to-launch-sub-sonic-missile-nirbhay-next-month-drdo/articleshow/18182021.cms |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=The Economic Times}}{{cite news |date=19 January 2013 |title=Nirbhay to be test-fired in February |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nirbhay-to-be-test-fired-in-February/articleshow/18082334.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216063204/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv |archive-date=16 February 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |newspaper=The Times of India}} There were unconfirmed media reports that the missile would be scrapped due to multiple test failures but it was then reported that the project has been given an 18-month extension, till June 2018, to fix all outstanding issues.{{Cite web |last=Raghuvanshi |first=Vivek |date=2017-05-25 |title=India Extends Homemade Missile Program Despite Failed Test |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/01/11/india-extends-homemade-missile-program-despite-failed-test/ |access-date=2021-09-30 |website=Defense News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bhat |first=Aditya |date=2017-01-09 |title=Parrikar gives lifeline to Nirbhay missile team, project gets extension till June 2018 |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/parrikar-gives-lifeline-nirbhay-missile-team-project-gets-extension-till-june-2018-711588 |access-date=2021-09-30 |website=IB Times |language=en}} Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2020-10-01 |title=India moves terrain-hugging Nirbhay missiles with 1,000-km range to defend LAC |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-moves-terrain-hugging-nirbhay-missiles-with-1-000-km-range-to-defend-lac/story-yf5IrC1IhjVjbVv1aOJWSO.html |access-date=2021-07-27 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering a proposal from one of the service for the induction of Nirbhay and is at an advance stage of discussion. Once cleared, all the three services of Indian Armed Forces will have Nirbhay in their arsenal. The Government of India already cleared the induction of Nirbhay in two services about two years ago.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-14 |title=Nirbhay class long-range cruise missiles to be part in all three defence forces' arsenal |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nirbhay-class-long-range-cruise-missiles-to-be-part-in-all-three-defence-forces-arsenal/articleshow/105214057.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-15 |issn=0971-8257}}

The LRLACM received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for induction into Indian Air Force in August 2023. As of September 2024, the user trials and eventual induction of Nirbhay missiles are expected soon.{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |title=New howitzers, firing ranges near the LAC for Army amidst China boundary dispute |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/new-howitzers-firing-ranges-near-the-lac-for-army-amidst-china-boundary-dispute-3209983 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-27 |title=India developing hypersonic missiles; Army looking to induct long-range rockets, loitering munitions, Pralay, Nirbhay missiles: Top official |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/india-developing-hypersonic-missiles-army-looking-to-induct-long-range-rockets-loitering-munitions-pralay-nirbhay-missiles-top-official20240927190725 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=ANI}}

Trials of LRLACM of the Indian Army is expected to begin in 2025.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2025-01-26 |title=Missile systems at Republic Day parade capture evolving long-range tactical strike options of the military |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/missile-systems-at-republic-day-parade-capture-evolving-long-range-tactical-strike-options-of-the-military/article69143371.ece |access-date=2025-01-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Nirbhay, Pralay, Brahmos and Pinaka will become part of the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a separate entity from Strategic Forces Command (SFC).{{Cite news |date=2023-05-17 |title=Will India finally have a dedicated rocket force? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-india-finally-have-a-dedicated-rocket-force/articleshow/100291322.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-15 |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |last=Bommakanti |first=Kartik |date=27 May 2023 |title=Integrated rocket force: Imperfect but a step in the right direction |url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/integrated-rocket-force/ |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=Observer Research Foundation}}

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{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Nirbhay}}

• [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/nirbhay/ CSIS Missile Threat - Nirbhay]
• [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur5BBnLiOKc/Tyrj8P46_xI/AAAAAAAAAy4/la0HKLEbljk/s1600/CEMILAC+Poster-1.jpg Nirbhay integration into Su-30MKI]
• [http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj7i7MbMDeE/TyrlWqdFWgI/AAAAAAAAAzI/6GvuGmufKqY/s1600/LFRJ.jpg Liquid fuel Ramjet technology]
• [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-launch-subsonic-missile-next-month/article4344332.ece India to launch sub-sonic missile next month]

Technical:

• [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/STFE_WRITEUP.pdf Engine Layout and Modules of MANIK STFE]
• [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets]

{{Indian missiles}}

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Category:Cruise missiles of India

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s

Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of India