Indian Air Force and DRDO Join Forces to Fast-Track Air-Launched Land Attack Cruise Missile (AL-LACM) Program
In response to the urgent request from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for quicker development, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to begin initial trials for the Air-Launched Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (AL-LACM) program starting in 2025.
The AL-LACM is derived from a subsonic cruise missile developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) specifically for the Indian Army and will be launched from the IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. The variant designed for the IAF will weigh approximately 1.3 tons less due to the omission of the first-stage solid rocket booster.
With a striking range of 800-1200 kilometers, the AL-LACM will serve as a critical asset for the IAF, allowing for precision strikes on targets deep within enemy territory. Its subsonic speed provides a potential cost advantage over the supersonic BrahMos-NG cruise missile.
The DRDO plans to first carry out release trials of the 5-meter-long missile system from the Sukhoi-30MKI. After successful release trials, the missile will undergo actual test firings to assess its performance. Once its capabilities are validated on the Sukhoi-30MKI, the AL-LACM will also be integrated into other IAF fighter jets, including the Tejas Mk1A and MkII platforms, significantly enhancing the IAF’s long-range strike capabilities.
The goal for DRDO is to finalize developmental trials and start production of the AL-LACM by 2028. The successful development and deployment of this missile will strengthen India’s strategic capabilities and act as a deterrent against possible threats.
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