India has successfully conducted a second consecutive test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence capabilities. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy, was launched on both September 12 and 13, 2024, demonstrating the missile system’s precision and reliability in neutralising advanced aerial threats.
The tests, which were conducted from a land-based vertical launcher, saw the VL-SRSAM intercept high-speed, low-altitude aerial targets, simulating sea-skimming threats—one of the most challenging scenarios for naval platforms to defend against. The missile’s success in intercepting these threats underscores its potential to safeguard Indian naval vessels from airborne dangers, such as enemy missiles that fly close to the surface of the sea to avoid detection.
The successful back-to-back flight tests are being hailed as a major step forward in India’s indigenous defence production capabilities. DRDO’s VL-SRSAM system is designed to protect naval assets by providing short-range air defence against a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, agility, and cutting-edge technologies, the missile system demonstrated its accuracy in neutralising aerial threats at close range.
During the tests, the VLSRSAM system validated multiple elements of the missile’s operation, including its Proximity Fuse and Seeker. The system successfully tracked and engaged the targets, showcasing the missile’s agility in complex maritime operations. Various tracking instruments such as radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry equipment deployed at the test range confirmed the missile’s performance.
The tests further validated the missile’s ability to tackle real-world sea-skimming threats—missiles that travel at low altitudes over the water, making them difficult to detect and intercept. The VL-SRSAM’s ability to respond to these threats ensures the Indian Navy’s platforms are better equipped to handle advanced adversarial missile systems, strengthening India’s maritime air defence.
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, congratulated the teams at DRDO and the Indian Navy for their remarkable achievement. “This test reaffirms the reliability and effectiveness of the VL-SRSAM weapon system, marking another step forward in India’s self-reliance in defence technology,” Singh said. He emphasized that the successful trials underline the government’s commitment to boosting indigenous defence production under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also applauded the teams behind the tests, noting that the successful demonstrations will significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. “The VL-SRSAM will serve as a force multiplier, ensuring that our naval forces have the latest technology to combat evolving aerial threats,” Dr. Kamat said.
The VLSRSAM system is set to become a crucial component of the Indian Navy’s defence arsenal, providing a robust mechanism for countering short-range aerial threats in maritime environments. The missile system is expected to bolster the Navy’s ability to neutralise threats such as aircraft, helicopters, and drones, along with more advanced missiles designed to evade traditional detection methods.
The flight tests carried out on both days highlight the missile’s reliability in high-pressure scenarios, paving the way for its potential deployment on Indian Navy ships. With its advanced guidance systems, rapid response capabilities, and precision targeting, the VL-SRSAM is poised to play a critical role in ensuring the security of Indian maritime operations in the years to come.
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