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The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|title=Mangalorean.com - Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206001710/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|archive-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-05/india/33615016_1_inter-continental-ballistic-missile-missile-project-stealth-missile|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|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|title='Nirbhay' missile set for test-firing next month|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name=toi25j /><ref name="ec25j">{{cite news|date=25 January 2013|title=India to launch sub-sonic missile, Nirbhay, next month: DRDO|newspaper=The Economic Times|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}}</ref><ref name="toi19j">{{cite news|title = Nirbhay to be test-fired in February|url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv|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|url-status = dead|archive-date = 16 February 2013|access-date = 19 January 2013|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]|date = 19 January 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|title=Mangalorean.com - Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206001710/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48826|archive-date=6 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-05/india/33615016_1_inter-continental-ballistic-missile-missile-project-stealth-missile|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|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|title='Nirbhay' missile set for test-firing next month|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name=toi25j /><ref name="ec25j">{{cite news|date=25 January 2013|title=India to launch sub-sonic missile, Nirbhay, next month: DRDO|newspaper=The Economic Times|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}}</ref><ref name="toi19j">{{cite news|title = Nirbhay to be test-fired in February|url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv|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|url-status = dead|archive-date = 16 February 2013|access-date = 19 January 2013|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]|date = 19 January 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


==== First trial ====
==== Trials ====
[[File:Nirbhay cruise missile.jpg|thumb|177x177px|First trial of Nirbhay Long Range Cruise Missile (LRCM) launched at [[Chandipur, Odisha|Chandipur]], [[Odisha]] on March 12, 2013.|alt=|left]]The surface version of Nirbhay missile was test fired for the first time on 12 March 2013 from the [[Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha. The missile in its maiden flight was supposed to hit a static target situated 1500&nbsp;km away in the Bay of Bengal. Missile took off from the launch pad successfully and reached the second stage of propulsion, traveling 15 minutes through its envisaged path at a speed of 0.7 mach. After that it veered away from its trajectory forcing the command center to detach the engine from the missile midway into the flight. This was done to avoid the risk of the missile hitting the coastal areas. The missile was purposely destroyed in mid-flight.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nirbhay-missile-flight-terminated-after-it-deviates-from-path/article4500527.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first1=Y. | last1=Mallikarjun | first2=T. S. | last2=Subramanian | title=Nirbhay strays from flight path, aborted | date=12 March 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Nirbhay cruise missile.jpg|thumb|177x177px|First trial of Nirbhay Long Range Cruise Missile (LRCM) launched at [[Chandipur, Odisha|Chandipur]], [[Odisha]] on March 12, 2013.|alt=|left]]The surface version of Nirbhay missile was test fired for the first time on 12 March 2013 from the [[Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha. The missile in its maiden flight was supposed to hit a static target situated 1500&nbsp;km away in the Bay of Bengal. Missile took off from the launch pad successfully and reached the second stage of propulsion, traveling 15 minutes through its envisaged path at a speed of 0.7 mach. After that it veered away from its trajectory forcing the command center to detach the engine from the missile midway into the flight. This was done to avoid the risk of the missile hitting the coastal areas. The missile was purposely destroyed in mid-flight.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nirbhay-missile-flight-terminated-after-it-deviates-from-path/article4500527.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first1=Y. | last1=Mallikarjun | first2=T. S. | last2=Subramanian | title=Nirbhay strays from flight path, aborted | date=12 March 2013}}</ref>


⚫
The test was a partial success as the missile took off, reached the second stage of propulsion, and traveled 30% of its range and completed most of the mission objectives, before deviating from its path. DRDO has detected the problem which was a faulty inertial navigation system and corrected the same in subsequent tests.[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 17 October 2014.jpg|thumb|132x132px|Second successful trial launch of Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile from Integrated Test Range on October 17, 2014|alt=]]A second launch of the Nirbhay missile was scheduled for February–May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/384620/second-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile.html|title=Second test of Nirbhay cruise missile in February|work=Deccan Herald|date=5 February 2014|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> but it was further delayed until October 2014. Slight delay in October was also due to cyclone [[Cyclone Hudhud|Hudhud]]. On 17 October 2014, the surface version of the missile was tested once again from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha, and this time the test was successful. The missile test met all the parameters & completed all 15 way-points. The missile traveled for more than 1500&nbsp;km that lasted for a duration of over 1 hour and 10 minutes. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and its health parameters were monitored by telemetry stations from DRDO's ITR and LRDE (Electronics & Radar Development Establishment).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-test-fires-nuclear-capable-Nirbhay-cruise-missile/articleshow/44845526.cms|title=India test-fires nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile|work=The Times of India|date=17 October 2014 |access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> An Indian Air Force [[SEPECAT Jaguar]] chased the missile during its flight to capture the video of the flight.
The test was a partial success as the missile took off, reached the second stage of propulsion, and traveled 30% of its range and completed most of the mission objectives, before deviating from its path. DRDO has detected the problem which was a faulty inertial navigation system and corrected the same in subsequent tests.


====Second trial====
⚫
[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 17 October 2014.jpg|thumb|132x132px|Second successful trial launch of Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile from Integrated Test Range on October 17, 2014|alt=]]A second launch of the Nirbhay missile was scheduled for February–May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/384620/second-test-nirbhay-cruise-missile.html|title=Second test of Nirbhay cruise missile in February|work=Deccan Herald|date=5 February 2014|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> but it was further delayed until October 2014. Slight delay in October was also due to cyclone [[Cyclone Hudhud|Hudhud]]. On 17 October 2014, the surface version of the missile was tested once again from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha, and this time the test was successful. The missile test met all the parameters & completed all 15 way-points. The missile traveled for more than 1500&nbsp;km that lasted for a duration of over 1 hour and 10 minutes. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and its health parameters were monitored by telemetry stations from DRDO's ITR and LRDE (Electronics & Radar Development Establishment).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-test-fires-nuclear-capable-Nirbhay-cruise-missile/articleshow/44845526.cms|title=India test-fires nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile|work=The Times of India|date=17 October 2014 |access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> An Indian Air Force [[SEPECAT Jaguar]] chased the missile during its flight to capture the video of the flight.

====Third trial====
The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-to-be-testfired-today/article7768335.ece|title=Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay to be test-fired today|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A [[Su-30MKI]] aircraft videotaped the flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/nirbhay-missile-set-for-critical-low-altitude-trial-sukhoi-to-chase-oneindia-special-1898796.html|title=OneIndia Special: Nirbhay missile set for critical low-altitude trial; Sukhoi to chase|first=Dr Anantha Krishnan|last=M|date=October 14, 2015|website=One India}}</ref> A press release by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/flight-of-nirbhay-missile-aborted-after-700-seconds-of-launch-115101601233_1.html|title=Flight of Nirbhay Missile Aborted after 700 Seconds of Launch|author=Business Standard|date=16 October 2015|work=business-standard.com}}</ref> Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128&nbsp;km of its 1500&nbsp;km range.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=Nirbhay, India's Indigenous Cruise Missile, Fails Test Midway|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirbhay-indias-indigenous-cruise-missile-fails-midway-1233086|work=NDTV}}</ref>
The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-to-be-testfired-today/article7768335.ece|title=Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay to be test-fired today|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A [[Su-30MKI]] aircraft videotaped the flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/nirbhay-missile-set-for-critical-low-altitude-trial-sukhoi-to-chase-oneindia-special-1898796.html|title=OneIndia Special: Nirbhay missile set for critical low-altitude trial; Sukhoi to chase|first=Dr Anantha Krishnan|last=M|date=October 14, 2015|website=One India}}</ref> A press release by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/flight-of-nirbhay-missile-aborted-after-700-seconds-of-launch-115101601233_1.html|title=Flight of Nirbhay Missile Aborted after 700 Seconds of Launch|author=Business Standard|date=16 October 2015|work=business-standard.com}}</ref> Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128&nbsp;km of its 1500&nbsp;km range.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 October 2015|title=Nirbhay, India's Indigenous Cruise Missile, Fails Test Midway|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirbhay-indias-indigenous-cruise-missile-fails-midway-1233086|work=NDTV}}</ref>


==== Fourth trial ====


⚫
The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-12-21|title=Long range Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhaya test fired from ITR|language=en-US|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/long-range-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhaya-test-fired-itr/|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|title=Nirbhay missile test fired off Odisha coast|last=Biswajeet|date=2016-12-21|website=OdishaSunTimes.com|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225162400/http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|archive-date=2016-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nirbhay-missile-test-%E2%80%9Can-utter-failure%E2%80%9D/article16915750.ece|title=Nirbhay missile test "an utter failure"|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nuclear-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missiles-test-fails-for-the-fourth-time/articleshow/56105444.cms|title=Nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile's test fails for the fourth time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nirbhay-failed-due-to-use-of-recycled-material/article19195215.ece|title='Nirbhay failed due to use of recycled material' -The Hindu|last=Bhattcharjee|first=Sumit|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile launch on 7 November 2017.jpg|thumb|159x159px|Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.|alt=|left]]


⚫
The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-12-21|title=Long range Subsonic cruise missile Nirbhaya test fired from ITR|language=en-US|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/long-range-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhaya-test-fired-itr/|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|title=Nirbhay missile test fired off Odisha coast|last=Biswajeet|date=2016-12-21|website=OdishaSunTimes.com|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225162400/http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/12/21/nirbhay-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|archive-date=2016-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nirbhay-missile-test-%E2%80%9Can-utter-failure%E2%80%9D/article16915750.ece|title=Nirbhay missile test "an utter failure"|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nuclear-capable-nirbhay-cruise-missiles-test-fails-for-the-fourth-time/articleshow/56105444.cms|title=Nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile's test fails for the fourth time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nirbhay-failed-due-to-use-of-recycled-material/article19195215.ece|title='Nirbhay failed due to use of recycled material' -The Hindu|last=Bhattcharjee|first=Sumit|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile launch on 7 November 2017.jpg|thumb|159x159px|Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.|alt=|left]]The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647&nbsp;km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75497/india-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-nirbhay-cruise-missile|title=India conducts successful flight test of Nirbhay cruise missile {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine<ref>{{cite web|title=India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay ready for fifth trial|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-ready-for-fifth-trial/articleshow/61518806.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019.jpg|thumb|156x156px|Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.]]
==== Fifth trial ====
The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647&nbsp;km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=8 November 2017|title=Nirbhay Missile: India successfully tests its first nuclear-capable cruise missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-its-first-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile/articleshow/61550465.cms|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75497/india-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-nirbhay-cruise-missile|title=India conducts successful flight test of Nirbhay cruise missile {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2017-11-08}}</ref> This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine<ref>{{cite web|title=India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay ready for fifth trial|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-subsonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-ready-for-fifth-trial/articleshow/61518806.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>

==== Sixth trial ====
[[File:Nirbhay missile test on 15 April 2019.jpg|thumb|156x156px|Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.]]
The sixth successful trial took place on April 15, 2019. Traversing around 650&nbsp;km, the test missile navigated way-points located at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5&nbsp;km. DRDO clarified that all mission objectives were met.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay successfully test-fired|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/long-range-sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26842044.ece|journal=Business Line|date=15 April 2019 }}</ref> The test also validated the [[Terrain-following radar|terrain hugging]] and the [[sea skimming]] capability of the missile.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26849032.ece|title=Sub-sonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay' successfully test-fired|date=2019-04-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The sixth successful trial took place on April 15, 2019. Traversing around 650&nbsp;km, the test missile navigated way-points located at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5&nbsp;km. DRDO clarified that all mission objectives were met.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay successfully test-fired|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/long-range-sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26842044.ece|journal=Business Line|date=15 April 2019 }}</ref> The test also validated the [[Terrain-following radar|terrain hugging]] and the [[sea skimming]] capability of the missile.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sub-sonic-cruise-missile-nirbhay-successfully-test-fired/article26849032.ece|title=Sub-sonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay' successfully test-fired|date=2019-04-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


Line 75: Line 65:
Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). It will include Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]] (GTRE) and a [[Radio frequency|radio-frequency]] (RF) seeker from [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). It will include Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]] (GTRE) and a [[Radio frequency|radio-frequency]] (RF) seeker from [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


==== Seventh trial ====
==== Futures ====
⚫
On 24 June 2021, Nirbhay was successfully test-fired from Launch Pad No. 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-06-24|title=Nirbhay Cruise Missile Test-Fired Off Odisha Coast|publisher=Sambad English|url=https://sambadenglish.com/nirbhay-cruise-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/|access-date=2021-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-24|title=CM congratulates DRDO for successful launch of missile 'Nirbhay' off Odisha Coast|url=https://kalingatv.com/state/cm-congratulates-drdo-for-successful-launch-of-missile-nirbhay-off-odisha-coast/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=KalingaTV|language=en-US}}</ref> The successful test was conducted with the GTRE Manik engine paving the way for a full range test.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DRDO tastes success with new turbofan engine after Odisha test launch|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/aug/12/drdo-tastes-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-after-odisha-test-launch-2343690.html|access-date=2022-02-13|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


⚫
DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.<ref>{{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}}</ref> <ref name="HT101681711263371">{{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}}</ref>
==== Further plans ====

⚫
DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.<ref>{{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}}</ref> All the remaining things were finished by April 2023, apparently to DRDO's satisfaction. User trials are anticipated to come next.<ref name="HT101681711263371">{{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}}</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
Line 90: Line 77:
Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment#Manik Engine/Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE)|Small Turbo Fan Engine]] (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]].
Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is based on Nirbhay missile but uses locally developed [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment#Manik Engine/Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE)|Small Turbo Fan Engine]] (STFE), also known as Manik Engine from [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]].


==== First trial ====
==== Trials ====
On 12 October 2020, the missile was test fired for the first time with indigenously developed GTRE STFE MANIK turbofan engine. The test was aborted after 8 minutes of launch.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shishir |date=12 October 2020 |title=DRDO fires Nirbhay cruise missile into sea, hits abort after 8 minutes |publisher=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-fires-nirbhay-cruise-missile-into-sea-hits-abort-after-8-minutes/story-pwMlu7YRVvgiHuhA0P2rfI.html |access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> As per DRDO, the missile deviated from predetermined flight path and was destroyed mid-air by mission control team.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=India likely to conduct maiden test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile on October 12 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/oct/11/india-likely-to-conduct-maiden-test-of-indigenous-technology-cruise-missile-on-october-12-2208832.html |access-date=29 October 2022 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="Rout">{{Cite web |last=Rout |first=Hemant Kumar |date=29 October 2022 |title=Homegrown cruise missile system hit by technical snag |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/oct/29/homegrown-cruise-missile-system-hit-by-technical-snag-2512880.html |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
On 12 October 2020, the missile was test fired for the first time with indigenously developed GTRE STFE MANIK turbofan engine. The test was aborted after 8 minutes of launch.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shishir |date=12 October 2020 |title=DRDO fires Nirbhay cruise missile into sea, hits abort after 8 minutes |publisher=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-fires-nirbhay-cruise-missile-into-sea-hits-abort-after-8-minutes/story-pwMlu7YRVvgiHuhA0P2rfI.html |access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> As per DRDO, the missile deviated from predetermined flight path and was destroyed mid-air by mission control team.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=India likely to conduct maiden test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile on October 12 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/oct/11/india-likely-to-conduct-maiden-test-of-indigenous-technology-cruise-missile-on-october-12-2208832.html |access-date=29 October 2022 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="Rout">{{Cite web |last=Rout |first=Hemant Kumar |date=29 October 2022 |title=Homegrown cruise missile system hit by technical snag |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/oct/29/homegrown-cruise-missile-system-hit-by-technical-snag-2512880.html |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


⚫
On 24 June 2021, Nirbhay was successfully test-fired from Launch Pad No. 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.<ref>{{cite news |date=2021-06-24 |title=Nirbhay Cruise Missile Test-Fired Off Odisha Coast |url=https://sambadenglish.com/nirbhay-cruise-missile-test-fired-off-odisha-coast/ |access-date=2021-06-24 |publisher=Sambad English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-24 |title=CM congratulates DRDO for successful launch of missile 'Nirbhay' off Odisha Coast |url=https://kalingatv.com/state/cm-congratulates-drdo-for-successful-launch-of-missile-nirbhay-off-odisha-coast/ |access-date=2021-06-26 |website=KalingaTV |language=en-US}}</ref> The successful test was conducted with the GTRE Manik engine paving the way for a full range test.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRDO tastes success with new turbofan engine after Odisha test launch |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/aug/12/drdo-tastes-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-after-odisha-test-launch-2343690.html |access-date=2022-02-13 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
==== Second trial ====

On 11 August 2021, ITCM was test fired from Integrated Test Range (ITR). But it was a partial success. As per DRDO officials, MANIK engine performed well but the missile failed to achieve the desired range due to failure in control mechanism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=DRDO tastes maiden success with new turbofan engine in indigenous cruise missile |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/aug/11/drdo-tastes-maiden-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-in-indigenous-cruise-missile-2343378.html |access-date=29 October 2022 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="Rout"/>
On 11 August 2021, ITCM was test fired from Integrated Test Range (ITR). But it was a partial success. As per DRDO officials, MANIK engine performed well but the missile failed to achieve the desired range due to failure in control mechanism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=DRDO tastes maiden success with new turbofan engine in indigenous cruise missile |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/aug/11/drdo-tastes-maiden-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-in-indigenous-cruise-missile-2343378.html |access-date=29 October 2022 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="Rout"/>


==== Third trial ====
On 28 October 2022, ITCM test fired from ITR failed due to a snag in the engine after separation of booster stage. This test included an upgraded radio frequency seeker.<ref name="Rout"/>
On 28 October 2022, ITCM test fired from ITR failed due to a snag in the engine after separation of booster stage. This test included an upgraded radio frequency seeker.<ref name="Rout"/>


==== Fourth trial ====
On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.<ref>{{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=2023-07-15 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Odisha: स्वदेशी तकनीक से बनी ITCM मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण, भारत को मिसाइल क्षेत्र में बनाएगा आत्मनिर्भर |url=https://www.jagran.com/odisha/bhubaneshwar-odisha-news-successful-test-of-itcm-missile-made-of-indigenous-technology-23336757.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref>
On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.<ref>{{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=2023-07-15 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Odisha: स्वदेशी तकनीक से बनी ITCM मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण, भारत को मिसाइल क्षेत्र में बनाएगा आत्मनिर्भर |url=https://www.jagran.com/odisha/bhubaneshwar-odisha-news-successful-test-of-itcm-missile-made-of-indigenous-technology-23336757.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref>


Revision as of 18:31, 5 January 2024

For the 1996 film, see Nirbhay (film).

Nirbhay
Nirbhay cruise missile launched on 15 April 2019
TypeLong-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile[1][2]
Surface-to-surface missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In serviceLimited deployment
Used byStrategic Forces Command
Production history
DesignerAeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO)
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
Specifications
Mass1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb)[3]
Length6 m (20 ft)
Diameter0.52 m (1.7 ft)
Wingspan2.7 m (8.9 ft)
WarheadConventional (PCB, blast fragmentation)[4][5] or
Nuclear
Warhead weight200-300 kg
EngineFirst stage: Solid rocket booster
Second stage:
PropellantFirst stage: Solid fuel
Second stage: Liquid fuel
Operational
range
up to 1,500 km (930 mi)[8]
Flight altitude50 m (160 ft) to 4 km (13,000 ft)[9]
Maximum speed 0.9 Mach[10][11]
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Ring laser gyro inertial navigation system and MEMS gyroscope. Augmented by GPS/NavIC satellite guidance
Terminal: Active radar homing, electro-optical, imaging infrared[12][4]
Launch
platform
Land-based mobile launcher
TransportTata LPTA 5252-12 X12 High Mobility Vehicle

Nirbhay (lit. 'Fearless') is a long range, all-weather, subsonic Cruise Missile designed and developed in India by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) which is under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[13][14] The missile can be Launched from Multiple Platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. It is currently deployed in limited numbers in Line of Actual Control (LAC) during standoff with China.[15]

Design

Nirbhay missiles mounted on a truck-based launcher, 2018

Nirbhay is powered by a solid rocket booster for take off which is developed by 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 Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and a radio altimeter for the height determination.[16][17] 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.[18] 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.[10][19][20]

The missile is claimed to have sea-skimming and loitering capability, i.e., it can go round 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.[21] 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.[22][23] It will eventually supplement the role played by BrahMos missile for the Indian Armed Forces by delivering warheads farther than the 450 km range.[24]

Development and trials

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.[23] 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 X 12 vehicle", developed in partnership with DRDO.[25]

The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,[26][27] 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.[22][28][29] 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.[30][31] Nirbhay cruise missile has a single shot kill ratio of above 90 percent.[32]

Trials

First trial of Nirbhay Long Range Cruise Missile (LRCM) launched at Chandipur, Odisha on March 12, 2013.

The surface version of Nirbhay missile was test fired for the first time on 12 March 2013 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha. The missile in its maiden flight was supposed to hit a static target situated 1500 km away in the Bay of Bengal. Missile took off from the launch pad successfully and reached the second stage of propulsion, traveling 15 minutes through its envisaged path at a speed of 0.7 mach. After that it veered away from its trajectory forcing the command center to detach the engine from the missile midway into the flight. This was done to avoid the risk of the missile hitting the coastal areas. The missile was purposely destroyed in mid-flight.[33] The test was a partial success as the missile took off, reached the second stage of propulsion, and traveled 30% of its range and completed most of the mission objectives, before deviating from its path. DRDO has detected the problem which was a faulty inertial navigation system and corrected the same in subsequent tests.

Second successful trial launch of Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile from Integrated Test Range on October 17, 2014

A second launch of the Nirbhay missile was scheduled for February–May 2014[34] but it was further delayed until October 2014. Slight delay in October was also due to cyclone Hudhud. On 17 October 2014, the surface version of the missile was tested once again from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha, and this time the test was successful. The missile test met all the parameters & completed all 15 way-points. The missile traveled for more than 1500 km that lasted for a duration of over 1 hour and 10 minutes. The missile was tracked with the help of ground-based radars and its health parameters were monitored by telemetry stations from DRDO's ITR and LRDE (Electronics & Radar Development Establishment).[35] An Indian Air Force SEPECAT Jaguar chased the missile during its flight to capture the video of the flight.

The third test of the missile took place on 16 October 2015.[36] The missile was to be tested for its low flying capability. The missile in flight was supposed to be brought down from 4800 meters to 20 meters gradually and in stages. A Su-30MKI aircraft videotaped the flight.[37] A press release by the Ministry of Defence stated the missile was launched at 11:38 IST and all initial critical operations such as Booster ignition, Booster separation, Wing deployment and engine start were successfully executed and Nirbhay reached the desired Cruise Altitude.[38] Although the take off was successful after repeated disruptions of countdown, the missile crashed into the Bay of Bengal 11 minutes into its flight after covering only 128 km of its 1500 km range.[39]


The fourth test of the missile took place on 21 December 2016 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:56 IST.[40][41] There has been no official word on the test outcome, however according to news reports this test was not successful. The booster engine in the first stage started working and lifted the missile off from its launcher. But the missile started veering dangerously towards one side in two minutes after lift-off and veered outside its safety corridor. Due to this, the test was aborted and the missile was remotely destroyed. A potential reason for the failure was described as a hardware problem with one of the missile's component.[42][43][44]

Fifth successful trial flight tested on November 07, 2017.

The fifth successful test of the missile took place on 7 November 2017 from Launch Complex-III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore in Odisha around 11:20 IST. The flight test was a success and met all mission objectives. During the test, the missile traveled a distance of 647 km over a 50 minute duration, and was tracked by ground based radars and telemetry stations.[45][46] This trial of the missile used a turbojet engine instead of a turbofan engine[47]

Sixth missile trial from Integrated Test Range, Odisha on 15 April 2019.

The sixth successful trial took place on April 15, 2019. Traversing around 650 km, the test missile navigated way-points located at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5 km. DRDO clarified that all mission objectives were met.[48] The test also validated the terrain hugging and the sea skimming capability of the missile.[49]

This trial completed the developmental trials of the missile. The next set of trials will be conducted as per the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.[50]

Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). 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.[51]

Futures

DRDO announced the completion of Nirbhay cruise missile development project on 6 February 2023, and also unveiled a number of new cruise and anti-ship missiles that are being developed in light of the lessons learned from Nirbhay.[52] [53]

Variants

Base variant

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

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (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.

Trials

On 12 October 2020, the missile was test fired for the first time with indigenously developed GTRE STFE MANIK turbofan engine. The test was aborted after 8 minutes of launch.[54] As per DRDO, the missile deviated from predetermined flight path and was destroyed mid-air by mission control team.[55][56]

On 24 June 2021, Nirbhay was successfully test-fired from Launch Pad No. 3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.[57][58] The successful test was conducted with the GTRE Manik engine paving the way for a full range test.[59]

On 11 August 2021, ITCM was test fired from Integrated Test Range (ITR). But it was a partial success. As per DRDO officials, MANIK engine performed well but the missile failed to achieve the desired range due to failure in control mechanism.[60][56]

On 28 October 2022, ITCM test fired from ITR failed due to a snag in the engine after separation of booster stage. This test included an upgraded radio frequency seeker.[56]

On 21 February 2023, ITCM was test fired successfully. Fitted with an upgraded radio frequency seeker and Manik engine.[61][62]

Induction

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. Government already cleared the induction of Nirbhay in two services about two years ago.[63] Nirbhay, Pralay, Brahmos and Pinaka will become part of the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a separate entity from Strategic Forces Command (SFC).[64][65]

See also

References

  1. ^ "India to Test Nirbhay Cruise Missile in 2012". Rusnavy. November 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  2. ^ "India Develops Sub-sonic Stealth Cruise Missile". Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  3. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (11 May 2016). "3rd-time unlucky Nirbhay to try luck once more". The New Indian Express. ENS. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Cruise Missile - Nirbhay". DRDO. Ministry of Defence. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  5. ^ "120 mm Penetration Cum Blast (PCB) AND Thermobaric (TB) Ammunition For MBT Arjun". DRDO. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Nirbhay". Missile Threat. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  7. ^ "Engine and Accessories". DRDO. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  8. ^ "Nirbhay cruise missile test-fired; indigenous engine a success, say officials". 11 August 2021.
  9. ^ Gupta, Shishir (11 August 2021). "Nirbhay cruise missile test-fired; indigenous engine a success, say officials". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  10. ^ a b "India test fires subsonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay'". The Economic Times. 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  11. ^ "India to Test 'Nirbhay Cruise Missile, Develop Agni-V Variant with Multiple Warhead Capabilities". Defence Now. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  12. ^ CSIS. "Nirbhay". Missile Threat. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  13. ^ Krishnan M, Anantha (10 January 2021). "ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects". OnManorama. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
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