Why in the news?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026
About LRLACM
- LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
- It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
- All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
- The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.
What is a Cruise Missile?
- A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
- Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
- Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
- Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile
- Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
- Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.
[2023] Consider the following statements
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2