According to defence officials, India intends to test a 500-kilometer strike range submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) off its east coast the following month. In addition, during a meeting later this week, the Ministry of Defence is to discuss the purchase of an 800-kilometer land assault cruise missile.

According to sources, India’s defence capabilities will witness a major turning point with the planned test firing of the 500-kilometer strike-range cruise missile, which was built by the defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This submarine-launched cruise missile is intended to be a key part of the Indian Navy’s locally built submarines under Project 75 (India). This accomplishment has been made feasible by the effective application of technology like thrust vector control and in-flight wing deployment.

Cruise missiles are expected to be an essential part of India’s military policy, along with short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, which are integral to the rocket force that is envisioned for the future. There are two versions of the SLCM: the Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) and the Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM).

With a range of more than 800 km, India’s current supersonic BrahMos missiles have already proven successful in exporting. After these are thoroughly vetted and incorporated into its armed forces, India also hopes to make these capabilities available to friendly foreign nations.

Supersonic missiles, like the BrahMos, which can reach targets more than 800 km, are already produced in India and are successfully exported. It is anticipated that friendly foreign nations will be handed subsonic cruise missiles once they have completed testing and been incorporated into the Indian armed forces.

The 500 km range SLCM test, which is scheduled for soon, represents a major advancement in India’s missile development programme as the country works to bolster its undersea defence. In addition to strengthening India’s defence capabilities, this technological prowess places the nation as a major player in the global missile technology industry.