---
title: "Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile: DRDO Profile"
description: "Nirbhay is DRDO's 1,000+ km subsonic cruise missile with terrain-hugging flight. Learn its tests, propulsion, and how it differs from BrahMos for UPSC GS3."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/nirbhay-cruise-missile"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Nirbhay is India's long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile developed by the DRDO for deep-strike land-attack roles with terrain-hugging flight.
- How does Nirbhay differ from the BrahMos missile?
- Is Nirbhay a cruise missile or a ballistic missile?
- What is the ITCM and how is it related to Nirbhay?
- Why is Nirbhay significant for UPSC GS Paper III?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Nirbhay is India's long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile developed by the DRDO for deep-strike land-attack roles with terrain-hugging flight.

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In October 2020, India test-fired the Nirbhay cruise missile from Chandipur, Odisha, amid the standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control following the Galwan Valley clash.

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