India plots first flight for Nirbhay cruise missile

India's Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile will make its first flight during 2012, with systems integration work under way, says Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief V K Saraswat.

To be fired eventually from a variety of land, naval and air platforms, the Nirbhay is planned as a supplement to the larger Indian/Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

With a planned launch weight of around 1,000kg (2,200lb), the Nirbhay will use a terrain-following navigation system to reach its target at distances up to 1,000km (540nm). The weapon will carry multiple warheads, according to the DRDO.

Source: Flight International