In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on Wednesday at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
The missile, launched from a land-based vertical launcher, effectively destroyed a high-speed aerial target at close range and low altitude, demonstrating its agility, precision, and reliability, and validating its Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The test was conducted with all weapon system elements in full combat configuration, including the indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System, all of which performed as expected. The performance was confirmed through flight data captured by range instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful test, emphasizing that the missile system would significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also commended the technological advancements in the missile system, reinforcing the armed forces’ defensive strength.
MoD Signs Rs. 6,900 crore contracts for advanced artillery systems
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it signed contracts worth Rs. 6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. This marks the first significant artillery procurement from the private sector, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The contracts, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, are a significant step in modernizing the Indian Army’s artillery regiments. The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS, known for its long-range precision, will replace older artillery systems, greatly enhancing the Army’s firepower. This project is expected to invigorate the domestic defence manufacturing sector, contributing to employment and economic growth under the Make-in-India initiative.
With this agreement, the MoD has signed capital procurement contracts totalling Rs. 1.40 lakh crore in the 2024-25 financial year, the statement added.
