In a major boost to India’s maritime strike capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully carried out the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) from a naval helicopter off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal.
During the trial, two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same helicopter, marking the first-ever salvo launch of an advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system in India. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said all test objectives were successfully met, with tracking data captured through radar, electro-optical systems, and telemetry deployed at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
The missile system also demonstrated a precise waterline hit capability, a critical feature designed to maximise damage to enemy vessels.
Developed indigenously, the NASM-SR is equipped with a solid propulsion booster and long-burn sustainer, along with advanced subsystems including a state-of-the-art seeker, integrated avionics, fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation system, radio altimeter, and a high-bandwidth two-way data link. The system also incorporates advanced control and guidance algorithms and jet-vane control technology.
The missile has been developed by the Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. Production is being undertaken with support from industry partners and start-ups.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Navy, the Indian Air Force, and industry partners for the successful test, stating that the missile’s development would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of India’s armed forces.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also lauded the teams involved in the successful launch.
