India today successfully test fired its first Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile named as Nirbhay, meaning The Fearless in Sanskrit. The Missile has a Range of 1000 Km and has been under development since 2007.
The Missile launch was only  partially successful  and it had to be terminated in mid way. According to official Statement from DRDO,  “  After travelling approximately mid-way, deviations were observed from its intended course. Further, flight was terminated to ensure coastal safety”.
Unlike Supersonic Missiles like Brahmos, which was developed as the result of India Russia joint collaboration, Nirbhay has been developed totally using Indigenous technology.
Nirbhay was developed  by Aeronautical Development Establishment, a Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratory based at Bangalore and was tested today at Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near in Balasore district in Odisha.
Tata has built the vehicle that will be the carrier/launcher for the Nirbhay system and will be based on an “indigenous high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive Tata LPTA 5252-12 X12 vehicle”, developed in partnership with DRDO
Various Specifications of Nirbhay:
- Weight 1000 kg
- Length: 6m
- Altitude: 500 m to 4000 m
- Warheads: 24 types
It can be launched from Air Water or Land Base and hence would be inducted in all three Defense Establishments,  Air Force,  Navy and Army separately. Nirbhay will also supplement Brahmos by delivering warheads farther than the 290 km range of Brahmos.
The first test flight of the missile was expected in October 2012, but the launch was shifted to December owing to the changes being made to the launcher.
Now that the Test Flight of Nirbhay is successful, DRDO Â expects the missile to be ready for induction within 12 to 18 months.