Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted a flight test of indigenously developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. This achievement significantly enhances Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities.
VL-SRSAM Test Key Highlights
The VL-SRSAM is designed as a shipborne air defence system capable of neutralizing various aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets.
The test was validated using flight data from range instruments at ITR Chandipur.
The missile system was tested onboard INS Rana, a Rajput-class destroyer.
The test was conducted in full combat configuration, incorporating:
- Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker.
- Multi-Function Radar (MFR) – a 4-panel AESA system with a range of over 200 km, developed by DRDO.
- Weapon Control System – successfully executed target acquisition and engagement.
The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed aerial target at close range and low altitude, demonstrating:
- Agility, precision, and reliability.
- Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability – crucial for countering sea-skimming missiles.
- High turn-rate maneuverability – essential for engaging fast-moving targets.
About VL-SRSAM
Origin & Development:
- Derived from DRDO’s Astra air-to-air missile.
- Developed to fill a critical capability gap in India’s naval air defence against low-flying aircraft and sea-skimming missiles.
- Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a public sector defence company under the Ministry of Defence.
- Involves collaboration between multiple DRDO laboratories and private sector vendors.
Range & Performance:
- Although categorized as a short-range missile, VL-SRSAM has a range of up to 80 km.
- This surpasses the 70 km range of Barak-8 MRSAM, currently used by the Indian Navy.
- The Astra Mk1 variant has a range of 80–110 km, while the Astra Mk2 features dual-pulse propulsion for extended range.
Technical Improvements & Trials:
- The missile initially faced technical challenges with the indigenous RF seeker, leading to modifications.
- The September 2024 test validated updates to the seeker and proximity fuse.
- Previous trials include:
- August 2022 – Focused on flight path monitoring and vehicle performance.
- September 2024 – Validated updated components like the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.
Strategic Importance
Strengthens India’s Naval Air Defence:
- Fills a critical gap in the Indian Navy’s defensive capabilities against sea-skimming threats.
- Provides warships with enhanced protection against low-altitude aerial threats.
Supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in Defence Manufacturing:
- Part of the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) programme, involving collaboration with private defence industries.
- Aligns with India’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign missile systems.
Integration with Future Naval Platforms:
- Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), under construction by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), will be the first to be equipped with VL-SRSAM.
- In September 2024, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) received an ₹850 crore ($100 million) order from CSL to supply X-band MFR for NGMVs.