India Successfully Test Fires Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile

New Delhi: India successfully flight-tested the Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from defense test facility off the coast of Odisha. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was launched from a land-based vertical launcher positioned at the Integrated Test Range (ITR).

Missile Demonstrates High Agility and Precision

The VL-SRSAM was tested against a high-speed aerial target at a very close range and low altitude. According to defense sources, the missile successfully neutralized the target. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the target was completely destroyed through high-turn-rate maneuvers required for such close-range engagements.

"The target was completely destroyed by the missile, demonstrating its ability to engage high-speed targets at low altitudes with exceptional precision," the MoD stated in its release.

Collaboration Between DRDO and Indian Navy

The test was conducted by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Navy, with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration. The trial was part of a user-associated exercise to validate the weapon system's updated components, including an indigenous radio frequency seeker, multi-function radar, and the weapon control system.

"The missile, along with the radar and control systems, performed as expected during the trial. The system’s performance was confirmed by flight data captured by various range instruments at ITR Chandipur," said a defense official.

Missile's Capabilities and Strategic Importance

With a high kill probability, the VL-SRSAM can identify, track, and destroy aerial targets at ranges of up to 80 kilometers. 

Its versatile design allows it to neutralize multiple aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets, fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more. The system is designed to provide both point and area defense against a variety of aerial threats.

A Technological Boost for India's Armed Forces

The missile, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will provide a significant technological boost to India's armed forces. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and Indian Navy teams for their successful test, calling it a testament to India's strong defense design and development capabilities. "This missile system will serve as a crucial force multiplier for the Indian Navy," Singh added.

Prior to the test, approximately 3,200 people from six villages within a 2.5 km radius of the test range were temporarily evacuated as a safety measure.