DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test VL-SRSAM

VL-SRSAM Test: Overview and Objectives

• DRDO and Indian Navy conducted a successful flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) on September 12, 2024.
• Location: Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
• Time: Approximately 1500 hours (3 PM).
• Launch platform: Land-based vertical launcher.
• Target: High-speed aerial target flying at a low altitude.

Primary objectives:

• • Validate the missile's capability to track and engage low-flying, high-speed targets.
  • Test upgraded elements of the weapon system, including: a) Proximity Fuse b) Seeker technology
• The missile system successfully tracked and engaged the target, meeting test objectives.

Technical Aspects and Performance Monitoring

• The VL-SRSAM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's operational capabilities.

Key features tested:

• • Vertical launch capability
  • Short-range surface-to-air engagement
  • Ability to intercept low-altitude, high-speed targets

Performance monitoring instruments:

• • Radar systems
  • Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS)
  • Telemetry equipment
• All monitoring systems were deployed at ITR Chandipur for precise data collection and analysis.
• The test validated the missile's tracking and engagement capabilities.
• Multiple range instruments captured flight data for comprehensive performance assessment.
• Senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories involved in the weapon system's indigenous development were present.
• Indian Navy representatives closely monitored the launch, emphasizing its importance for naval operations.

Significance and Future Implications

• Successful test reaffirms the high reliability and effectiveness of the VL-SRSAM weapon system.

Praise from high-ranking officials:

• • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the teams from DRDO and Indian Navy for their achievement.
  • Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of Department of Defence R&D, congratulated the involved teams.

Strategic importance:

• • The VL-SRSAM is expected to serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy.
  • Enhances India's maritime defense capabilities against aerial threats.
  • Demonstrates progress in indigenous defense technology development.

Operational benefits:

• • Improved short-range air defense for naval vessels.
  • Enhanced protection against various aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles.
  • Vertical launch capability allows for 360-degree coverage and quick response times.

Future prospects:

• • The successful test paves the way for potential integration into naval platforms.
  • Continued development and refinement of the system based on test results.
  • Possibility of adapting the technology for other defense applications.