India to Test Nirbhay Cruise Missile in 2012

15.11.2011 Indian defense ministry plans to conduct first test launch of new cruise missile Nirbhay in the first quarter of 2012, reports DNA India. At present, India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) finishes some systems of the missile and prepares for first tests.

Flight range of subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay is expected to be about 1,000 km. The missile will be capable to carry warheads of different types and will join Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force. In particular, Nirbhay will be adapted for Russian-made fighters Su-30MKI. Indian military is about to use Nirbhay along with supersonic cruise missile BrahMos jointly developed with Russia.

Technical details of the project have not been revealed so far. It was reported in May 2010 that the missile would possibly capable to carry nuclear warheads. India has been developing Nirbhay missile for the recent 6 years. Initially, it was planned to carry out first flight test in 2010, then – in 2011, although the missile is not in the test launch plan for this year.