DRDO carries out flight-test of long range land attack cruise missileNEW DELHI: In another big step in missile development, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted a successful flight-test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.The LRLACM is an indigenous, next-generation cruise missile programme designed for precision strikes against high-value land targets.All the test objectives were fully met, as per the data captured by various tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, a defence ministry's release said.With the range expected to be up to 1,500 km, LRLACM is aimed at striking targets at long ranges with pinpoint precision. LRLACM is said to be India's equivalent of the US's Tomahawk. Both are subsonic, low-flying and highly-precise missiles capable of hitting land targets from long distances.The subsonic cruise program aims to equip the Indian armed forces with the capability to target significant land-based targets from substantial distances, enabling launch platforms and personnel to stay clear of heavily fortified areas as the missile advances to its target. These missiles can destroy key military targets like command centers, communication hubs, airfields, and logistics facilities without putting friendly troops at risk.All subsystems of the LRLACM have been developed by various DRDO labs and Indian industry partners. Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru, is the nodal laboratory.Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team and industry partners on the successful flight-test of LRLACM. Defence secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored all activities during the launch. He congratulated all the team members involved in the successful flight-test. The launch was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO and user representatives from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.