India test fired its first long range subsonic cruise missile “Nirbhay” on 17 October 2014 from Chandipur,(the Integrated Test Range) in Orissa .It has a range of 1000 KM and is similar to US “Tomahawk”. The previous test in March last year was not successful as the missile had deviated and so had to be aborted. This is a major achievement for India as Nirbhaya is a dual missile, which can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warhead. In the test trial it carried a dummy payload of n350kg. India already has 180 mile BrahMos cruise missile which India has developed jointly with Russia, this new missile will add to India’s range and capabilities. Nirbhaya’s ability to fly low and strike from any direction will make it difficult for the enemies to detect it
Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and DRDO director General Avinash Chander stated that all the four versions that is land, ship, submarine and air would be developed, and the first land attack cruise missile could be inducted in three years.