India Successfully Test-fires N-capable Cruise Missile Nirbhay

India today successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable cruise missile Nirbhay, which means fearless, from the Integrated Missile Test Range located in Chandipur, Odisha.

The state-of-the-art missile, which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is India's answer to America's Tomahawk and Pakistan's Babur. The launch comes days after Cyclone Hudhud hit the state's coastal region.

The Nirbhay is very manoeuvrable and can fly at tree-top level, making it difficult to detect on radar. Notably, the missile strikes targets located more than 700 km away, making India the capable to strike deep into enemy territory.

It is worth noting that once India's own satellite navigation fleet is fully deployed, cruise missiles will start using signals from the country's space system.

The Nirbhay has a wing and pronounced tail fins unlike other ballistic missiles like the Agni. It launches like a missile and in early flight the small wings get deployed. The sub-sonic missile then flies like an aircraft and can even hover near the target.

During its first flight on March 12, 2013, the Nirbhay had to be terminated because as it deviated from its course after launch. As the missile went off its flight trajectory, its engine was cut off to bring it down to ensure coastal safety. Then, the Nirbhay fell near the coast and the DRDO said no one was injured.

This missile also gives India the capacity to launch different kinds of payloads at different ranges from various platforms at a very low cost.
(Image: DRDO)