New Delhi, Nov 21, 2023 : In a significant leap towards bolstering self-reliance and maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), executed successful Guided Flight Trials of the first indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile from a Seaking 42B helicopter on November 21.
The development follows earlier reports in October that DRDO was gearing up to conduct tests for the highly anticipated long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM), a game-changer in ship-based missile systems with extended reach, as reported by News18.
According to the initial reports, the LRASM could boast an impressive range of 500 kilometres, surpassing the 350-400 kilometres range offered by the supersonic Indo-Russian cruise missile BrahMos.
This achievement builds on India’s previous strides in missile technology, including the successful test of the first indigenously built short-range anti-ship missile in May 2022. Named ‘Naval Anti-ship Missile-short range’ (NASM-SR), these missiles, weighing around 380 kilograms, possess a range of 55 kilometres and can be launched from attack helicopters.
March of the same year witnessed the Indian Navy’s successful Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) firing from INS Visakhapatnam, showcasing the nation’s prowess in engaging Anti-Ship Missiles. The MRSAM, a joint venture of DRDO and Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), can target multiple adversaries at a range of 70 kilometres.
In a press statement issued in February, the army highlighted the MRSAM’s capabilities, naming it the ‘Abhra’ Weapon System. The system, a collaborative effort involving Indian public and private defence industry partners, including MSMEs, comprises the Combat Management System (CMS), Mobile Launcher Systems (MLS), Advanced Long Range Radar, Mobile Power System (MPS), Radar Power System (RPS), Reloader Vehicle (RV), and Field Service Vehicle.
The missile system, powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system, marks a pivotal achievement in India’s quest for advanced air defence weaponry.
The successful testing of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile reaffirms India’s commitment to technological innovation, national security, and the journey towards greater self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. The collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy and DRDO signal a new era in India’s maritime strength and prowess on the global stage. (With agency inputs).
Indian Navy and DRDO Achieve Milestone with Successful Test of Indigenously Developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile
