DRDO successfully test SMART missile system for Indian Navy
Defence
4 min read
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the next-generation Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on 1 May 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
According to DRDO, several state-of-the-art mechanisms, such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control, were validated during the test.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat lauded the efforts of the entire SMART team.
About SMART Missile System
The SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) system is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system being developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy. It is likely to boost the anti-submarine capability of the Indian Navy.
The SMART missile system comprises a long-range supersonic missile carrier that can travel up to 643 km, a lightweight torpedo with a range of 20 km, and a 50 kg high-explosive warhead as the payload.
It is a supersonic missile canister-based missile system that consists of several advanced subsystems, such as a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system, etc. The system carries an advanced lightweight torpedo as a payload, along with a parachute-based release system.
What is a Torpedo?
A torpedo is a cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater missile launched from a submarine, ship, or aeroplane. It is designed to explode upon contact with submarines or surface ships.
DRDO Torpedo Varunastra
DRDO has developed an indigenous torpedo, Varunastra. It is a ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo that was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2016.
Varubastra has a range of 40-50 kilometres and is a subsonic missile.
Varunastra can hit submarines in deep and shallow waters and quiet submarines.
Varunastra can be fired from any Anti-Submarine Ship of the Indian Navy capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes.
About DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is the leading research and development establishment of the government of India.
It was set up in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
DRDO was set up to develop advanced defence technology to make the Indian armed forces self-reliant in weapon systems.
DRDO has developed various missiles like Agni, Prithvi, light combat aircraft Tejas, main battle tank Arjun multi-barrel rocket launcher, Pinaka; air defence system, Akash; a wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc.,
Chairman of DRDO: Dr Samir V Kamath
