The Indian Navy along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful flight test of the vertically launched short-range anti-aircraft missile, VL-SRSAM, created for shipborne defense systems. The trial marks a significant milestone in bolstering naval air defense capabilities and aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize coastal and carrier defenses across the fleet.
As reported, the test was carried out from a Indian Navy vessel at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) located in Chandipur, off the eastern coast near Odisha. The exercise showcased the missile’s vertical launch capability, with the firing sequence designed to simulate real-world defense scenarios against aerial threats while ensuring compatibility with shipboard launch platforms and radar systems.
During the launch, the VL-SRSAM was equipped with a radar homing head and engaged a high-speed drone as a representative air target. The exercise demonstrated the missile’s precision guidance and intercept capability, confirming that the weapons system can track and neutralize fast-moving targets at sea under operational conditions.
According to official statements, the missiles intercepted the target with high accuracy, validating the effectiveness of the compact, shipborne solution in defending naval assets against modern air threats. The test results reinforce confidence in the VL-SRSAM’s performance envelope, including rapid launch, all-weather operation, and the ability to engage multiple targets as part of a layered defense framework.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted that the VL-SRSAM will enhance the combat potential of the Indian Navy, providing a responsive, reliable, and versatile air-defense option that complements existing systems. The program underscores a broader strategic push to empower maritime forces with advanced missiles designed for quick reaction, extended range within close to medium distances, and robust performance against evolving threat profiles.
In a broader regional context, other nations have also pursued advanced propulsion and maneuverability technologies. Notably, reports indicated that China recently conducted tests of the Feitian-1 hypersonic combined cycle rocket, a development observed by the international defense community as part of ongoing progress in high-speed aerospace propulsion and strategic systems development. These activities reflect a growing emphasis on next-generation defense capabilities within major naval and air forces around the world.