The Indian Navy on Friday (24 June 2022) successfully test-fired a vertical-launched, short-range, surface-to-air missile (VL-SRSAM). The launch was done by an Indian Navy ship off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted after the test and congratulated the Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for their efforts.
According to DRDO, today’s test of VL-SRSAM targeted an air target which was speeding towards the warship. The missile successfully and accurately hit the target. Tracking equipment was installed by ITR Chandipur to monitor the missile path, assess its accuracy and impact. DRDO and Navy officials witnessed this test run of the missile.
Expert in dodging radar and infrared: DRDO officials told that VL-SRSAM is a missile fired from a warship. It is capable of swiftly neutralizing air threats on its side. This missile is also capable of targeting those weapons, fighter aircraft and anti-ship missiles which are adept at dodging radar and infrared.
What is VL-SRSAM: VL-SRSAM is jointly designed and developed by three facilities of Defense Research and Development Organization for deployment on warships of the Indian Navy. The missile has the capability to neutralize air threats including maritime targets. Sea-skimming tactics are used by various anti-ship missiles and some fighters to avoid being caught by radar and infrared. Apart from this, this missile is capable of flying very close to the surface of the sea.
The VL-SRSAM missile is designed to strike high-speed air targets at a range of 40 to 50 km and an altitude of about 15 km. DRDO officials say that its design is based on the Astra missile, which is an air-to-air missile beyond the range of sight.