India Successfully Test Fires Naval Anti-Ship Missile

India has successfully conducted the test-firing of a first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter and successfully demonstrated its precision strike capability. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s defense and naval warfare capabilities.

Successful Missile Test at Chandipur

The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. According to the Defence Ministry, the missile successfully hit its target, a small ship, in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The successful flight test showcased India’s advancements in missile technology, particularly in naval warfare systems.

Key Features of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR)

The Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR) is an indigenously developed missile system designed to engage and destroy enemy warships. Some of its key features include:

Man-in-Loop Feature: The missile allows in-flight retargeting by transmitting live images back to the pilot.
Sea-Skimming Mode: It flies at a low altitude close to the sea surface to evade enemy radar detection.
Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker: This enables precise target acquisition and terminal guidance.
High Bandwidth Two-Way Datalink System: Ensures real-time communication between the missile and the pilot.

Development and Collaboration

The NASM-SR has been developed by various DRDO laboratories, including:

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Responsible for missile guidance and control systems.
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) – Specialized in missile propulsion and aerodynamics.
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) – Developed the warhead and explosive materials.
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) – Worked on impact analysis and damage assessment.

This collaboration highlights India’s commitment to developing indigenous defense technologies and reducing dependence on foreign weaponry.

Strategic Importance of NASM-SR

The successful test of NASM-SR is a major boost for India’s maritime defense capabilities. This missile system is expected to be deployed on Indian Navy helicopters and warships, significantly enhancing their ability to neutralize enemy naval assets. The missile’s precision strike capability will improve the Navy’s offensive strength in oceanic warfare scenarios.

Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) Test-Firing – Summary

Category	Details
Why in News?	India successfully conducted the test-firing of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter at Chandipur, Odisha.
Where was the test conducted?	Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Navy.
Target & Performance	The missile successfully hit a small ship in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range, demonstrating precision strike capability.
Key Features	– Man-in-Loop Feature: Allows in-flight retargeting via live image transmission. – Sea-Skimming Mode: Low-altitude flight to evade radar detection. – Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker: Enables precise targeting. – High Bandwidth Two-Way Datalink: Ensures real-time communication with the pilot.
Development & Collaboration	Developed by DRDO laboratories, including: – Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Guidance & control. – Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) – Propulsion & aerodynamics. – High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) – Warhead & explosives. – Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) – Impact & damage analysis.
Strategic Importance	– Boosts India’s maritime defense capabilities. – Enhances the Navy’s ability to neutralize enemy warships. – Strengthens self-reliance in defense technology and reduces foreign dependence.
Future Deployment	Expected to be deployed on Indian Navy helicopters and warships for oceanic warfare scenarios.