Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Navy successfully carried out maiden salvo launch of Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) from a naval helicopter platform off coast of Bay of Bengal near Odisha.
During trial, two missiles were launched in quick succession from same helicopter, marking first-ever salvo launch of an advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system in India. The test also validated missile’s waterline hit capability, demonstrating its ability to strike a ship’s hull at the most vulnerable point for maximum damage.
Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR)
It is an advanced, indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship missile system, designed to replace older foreign-origin systems such as the British Sea Eagle. It represents India’s first helicopter-launched anti-ship missile developed domestically.
Development
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with multiple DRDO laboratories:
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
- Production is being undertaken by DcPP with support from Indian industries and start-ups.
Key Features
- Propulsion System: Uses a solid-propellant system with an ejectable booster for launch and a long-burn sustainer for flight.
- Range & Flight Profile: Capable of striking targets up to 55 km with a subsonic sea-skimming trajectory, helping evade radar detection.
- Precision Strike: Demonstrates waterline hit capability, ensuring maximum structural damage to enemy ships.
- Guidance & Navigation:
- Fibre-optic gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS)
- Radio altimeter
- Advanced Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker for high accuracy
- Connectivity: Equipped with a high-bandwidth two-way data link, enabling lock-on-after-launch and mid-course retargeting.
- Control Mechanism: Uses electro-mechanical actuators and jet vane control for enhanced maneuverability.
- Platform Integration:
- Currently integrated with Sea King helicopters
- Future integration planned for MH-60R Seahawk and HAL Dhruv (ALH)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- It was established in 1958 as R&D wing of Ministry of Defence.
- It was formed through the merger of Technical Development Establishments (TDEs), Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
- Guiding principle: “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” (Strength lies in science)
- Foundation Day is observed on January 1.