India's Maiden Naval Anti-Ship Missile Test Proves Successful

Indian Navy in collaboration with Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired indigenous naval anti-ship missile on 21 November 2023. This test was conducted by the Indian Navy from a Seaking 42B helicopter. It is a missile designed for long-range anti-ship capabilities.

• This test is a very important step towards self-reliance in terms of missile technology of the Indian Army.

Use of many new technologies in anti-ship missile:

• In this test conducted by the Indian Navy, the seeker and guidance technology of the missile was also tested. According to the statement issued after the test, several new technologies have been used in the missile, including an indigenously developed launcher for the helicopter. The effectiveness of a missile hinges on its guidance technology, and achieving target precision is integral to the guidance system.

Big step towards achieving self-reliance in missile technology:

• The Indian Navy said in a post from its official X handle that this test is a very important step towards achieving self-reliance in missile technology.
• Earlier in May 2022 also, the Navy in collaboration with DRDO  successfully tested anti-ship missile.
• In May 2022, India tested a short range missile of the same category. The short range missile is equipped with a strike capability of 380 kg and a range of 55 km.
• It is the effort of the Government of India to make the country self-reliant in terms of defense production. 
• In pursuit of this goal, DRDO, Defense PSUs, and the Ordnance Factory Board play crucial roles. 
• While our nation currently heavily relies on foreign sources for arms, the government is actively engaging in agreements for domestic arms production and technology transfer to curb imports. 
• As part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the country is presently developing four missile systems: Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, and Nag. 

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile based on sea-skimming trajectory:

• This Indian long range anti-ship missile, made with indigenous technology, hit the target directly while moving on a sea-skimming trajectory.
• 'Sea-skimming' is the condition when the missile flies rapidly a few meters above the surface of the sea. Due to its technology the missile is not even detected by radar. At present this technology is already available in India.
• 'Sea-skimming' technology is used in India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
• Defense experts believe that this modern missile tested will be installed on naval helicopters.
• This missile also has a state-of-the-art navigation system.
• In the same month, the Army also fired new generation rockets from the first indigenous attack helicopter 'Rudra'. Apart from this, firing of ammunition from the army's 'Rudra' indigenous helicopter was also successfully tested.