VL-SRSAM missile successfully test-fired by DRDO & Indian Navy

The Indian Navy, in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). The test was carried out on 12 September 2024 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur island off the coast of Odisha. 

This is the second successful missile test by the DRDO in the past week. On 6 September 2024, the DRDO successfully conducted the user trial of its nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM Agni-4).

During the test, the missile equipped with an advanced radio frequency seeker was launched from a land-based vertical launcher, which successfully intercepted a high-speed aerial target flying at a low altitude. 

DRDO is developing the VL-SRAM, which will be manufactured by the central government-owned Bharat Dynamic Limited.

The DRDO-developed missile is likely to replace the Israeli Barak-1 missile currently deployed by the Indian Navy.

About the VL-SRSAM 

• The VL-SRSAM is a short-range surface-to-air ballistic missile that can be launched from an Indian Naval warship.
• The missile is an all-weather, next-generation, quick-reaction missile that will provide defence against supersonic sea-skimming targets like aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles.
• VL-SRSAM is 3,931 mm long, 178 mm in diameter, and 170 kg in weight.
• The strike range of the missile is up to 50 km. 
• The next-generation missile has a smokeless propulsion system and is equipped with electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) features.
• A single pulse rocket motor solid propellant powers the missile. The missile is fitted with a high a  high-explosive) pre‐formed fragmentation warhead, which is detonated by an active radar proximity fuze.

DRDO(Defence Research and Development Organisation) 

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)  was set up by the government of India in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence.
• It is the premier defence research and development institution that develops arms and armaments for the country's defence forces.
• Its mandate is to develop cutting-edge defence technologies, and its mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.

Chairman of DRDO : Dr Samir V Kamath

Also, Read -Nuclear-Capable Agni-4 IRBM Missile Successfully Tested