[16] Nirbhay is powered by a solid rocket booster for take off which is developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL).

Upon reaching the required velocity and height, a turbofan engine in the missile takes over for further propulsion.

The missile is guided by an inertial navigation system developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and a radio altimeter for the height determination.

It has a range of about 1500 km and is capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission requirements between 200 and 300 kg.

[23][24] It will eventually supplement the role played by BrahMos missile for the Indian Armed Forces by delivering warheads farther than the 450 km range.

[26] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.

[28][29][30] The standard Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile is powered by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT engine.

The ITCM is a technology demonstrator programme to validate the capability of STFE, upgraded radio frequency (RF) seekers, and other subsystems.

This missile would be compatible with the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells used for BrahMos used by the Navy on frontline waships.

[34] A report in early September 2024 suggested that a ship-launched anti-ship variant of the LR-LACM will be tested within 12-18 months.

[33] The first test flight of the missile was planned in October 2012,[41][42] but the launch was postponed to December owing to the changes being made to the launcher.

V. K. Saraswat, Director General & Scientific Adviser of DRDO, later said that the missile would be tested in February 2013.

[64] [68][69] Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering a proposal from one of the service for the induction of Nirbhay and is at an advance stage of discussion.

[79] The LRLACM received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for induction into Indian Air Force in August 2023.