India's DRDO unveils next‑generation missile projects and test plans

On 24 July 2026, Dr U. Raja Babu, Director General of Missiles & Strategic Systems at DRDO, said India will display unique missile systems this year, marking a shift from past technology denial to indigenous leadership. He referenced ongoing programmes such as the Long‑Range Anti‑Ship Hypersonic Missile (LRAShM) with a range exceeding 1,500 km, Project Kusha – a long‑range air‑defence system meant to complement existing layers, and further development of the BrahMos family with longer reach and greater survivability.

DRDO also announced an additional land‑based developmental flight test for its next‑generation Submarine‑Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), a compact, canister‑based variant of the Long‑Range Land Attack Cruise Missile. The test will validate propulsion, guidance and flight stability before the missile is fitted to the upcoming Project 75(I) diesel‑electric submarines and future indigenous nuclear attack submarines. The weapon will use a cold‑launch technique, ejecting from a 533 mm torpedo tube before the rocket motor ignites, a critical step toward operational deployment and enhanced naval strike capability.