New Delhi: India’s LRLACM (Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile) has received a major mobility upgrade with a new 8×8 Super Stallion High Mobility Vehicle launcher. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the missile on June 15, 2026, marking another important step in strengthening India’s long-range precision strike capability. According to the Ministry of Defence, all mission objectives were successfully achieved during the test.
DRDO Successfully Tests LRLACM
The successful test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile has been developed by DRDO, with the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, serving as the nodal laboratory. Several DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners contributed to the project.
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Details of India LRLACM Upgrade
The biggest highlight of the latest trial was the new Ashok Leyland Super Stallion 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle carrying the missile launcher. This replaces the older heavy multi-axle launcher and provides better movement on highways, rough terrain, deserts, and mountainous areas.
The new vehicle also reduces deployment time and improves the missile system’s operational flexibility. While these launcher details are widely reported in defence analysis, DRDO’s official statement confirms the successful missile test but does not specify the launcher configuration.
Canister Launch System Makes Operations Faster
The upgraded launcher uses a canisterised launch system. In this system, the missile remains sealed inside a protective launch tube. During launch, it is first pushed out using pressurised gas before the engine starts, a method known as cold launch. This protects the launcher from extreme heat, improves crew safety, allows faster reloads, and increases missile readiness in combat situations.
Multiple Missiles Increase Salvo Firepower
Reports indicate that the new 8×8 launcher can carry multiple missiles, allowing forces to launch several missiles in quick succession. This increases salvo firepower, giving the Indian Armed Forces the ability to strike multiple targets rapidly during high-intensity operations. These launcher-capacity details have not yet been officially confirmed by DRDO.
What is the Features of LRLACM
The LRLACM is an indigenous subsonic land-attack cruise missile. It is designed to fly at very low altitude, closely following the terrain to avoid enemy radar detection. Reports indicate the missile has a strike range of around 1,000 km and can carry a conventional warhead weighing up to 450 kg. It is powered by the indigenous Manik turbofan engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
Multi-Platform Deployment Planned
The LRLACM is not limited to land operations. It is expected to be deployed from mobile launchers as well as naval platforms using the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM), giving India greater operational flexibility across different military services.
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