Overview of the Test
- DRDO successfully tested the Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the Indian Navy.
- The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
- It was launched from a land-based vertical launcher at around noon.
- The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Significance for Indian Navy
- Enhanced Air Defence Capability: Provides the Navy with an advanced air defence system against aerial threats like fighter jets, UAVs, and cruise missiles.
- Force Multiplier: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “force multiplier”, indicating its strategic importance in naval warfare.
- Protection of Naval Assets: Strengthens India’s maritime security by protecting warships, aircraft carriers, and other naval assets from aerial attacks.
- Indigenous Defence Development: Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing dependence on foreign missile systems.
Technical Aspects of VLSRSAM
- Type: Short-range, surface-to-air missile (SAM).
- Launch System: Vertically launched, allowing 360-degree engagement.
- Targeting Capability: Designed to neutralize high-speed aerial threats at low altitudes.
- Operational Environment: Can be deployed on both land-based and sea-based platforms.
- Guidance System: Likely to include active radar homing and advanced navigation for precise interception.
Strategic Implications
- Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances India’s ability to counter air threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Deterrence Against Hostile Forces: Improves the Navy’s defence against potential aerial attacks from adversarial forces.
- Integration with Naval Platforms: Expected to be deployed on destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers for layered defence.
- Global Comparisons: Comparable to Barak-1 (Israel) and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (USA) in terms of capabilities.
Way Forward
- Further Testing: More trials needed to validate operational efficiency in diverse conditions.
- Integration with Warships: Seamless integration with Indian Navy’s existing weapon systems.
- Production and Deployment: Scaling up mass production for deployment across the fleet.
- Export Potential: Possibility of exporting the system to friendly nations under Defence Export Policy.
