DRDO aborts launch of long-range cruise missile Nirbhay
12 Mar 2013
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) decided to abort trial of its first indigenous long-range cruise missile `Nirbhay' midway today, when the missile deviated from its course half way to the target.
As the missile veered off its flight trajectory after travelling about 250 km (20 minutes), its engine was cut off to bring it down to ensure coastal safety.
Villagers recovered its debris later from Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district. DRDO said no one was injured.
In a brief statement issued today, DRDO, however, said, ''Long range cruise missile Nirbhay was successfully launched today at 1150 hrs from launch complex, Chandipur, Odisha, meeting the basic mission objectives successfully.
''After travelling approximately mid-way, deviations were observed from its intended course. Further, flight was terminated to ensure coastal safety.''
Nirbhay is the Indian equivalent of America's Tomahawk and Pakistan's Babur.