NIRBHAY MISSILE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Indian armed forces will be inducting the long-range attack cruise missile Nirbhay into their inventory to strike targets at ranges over 1,000 Km, highly placed.

Nirbhay Cruise Missile

• About: Nirbhay stands out as a long-range subsonic cruise missile, showcasing the ability to penetrate deep into enemy territory while ensuring precision in striking high-value targets.
• Developed by:  Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment, a lab under India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Indigenous Production: It represents the country's first indigenously produced cruise missile, highlighting advancements in indigenous defense technology.

• Dimensions: The Nirbhay missile measures 6.0 m in length. It has a body diameter of 0.5 m.
• Weight Ranges: from 1,500 to 1,600 kg.
• Capability: The missile can effectively strike land targets located up to 1,000 kilometers away.
• Propulsion System: It utilizes a solid propellant booster motor during the initial launch phase.
• Warhead Options: The missile can be armed with a warhead weighing between 200 and 300 kilograms.
• It has the capability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
• Launch Flexibility: The Nirbhay missile is designed to be launched from multiple platforms, providing operational versatility.
• Guidance System: The missile is guided by an INS/GPS system.