The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy are poised to conduct tests of a ship-launched variant of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), which boasts a range of 1,000 km. This missile, an evolution of the Nirbhay project, aims to enhance India’s naval strike capabilities by providing a precise, cost-effective alternative to existing systems like BrahMos. The upcoming test will integrate the missile with a newly developed vertical launch system for naval warships, ensuring operational flexibility and accuracy in targeting. The ITCM is strategically significant, bolstering India’s deterrence posture in response to regional challenges, particularly from China and Pakistan’s naval advancements.