"India successfully test-fires Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile "

Contact Counsellor

CategoryDefence

Last Updated08/12/2021

India successfully test-fired the Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
According to Defence Research and Development Organisation officials (DRDO), the air defence system can engage targets at around 15km.
The VL-SRSAM, indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.

It is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It features mid-course inertial guidance through fibre-optic gyroscope and active radar homing during terminal phase.
With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships.
It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.

VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings.
It includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch.
VL-SRSAM was conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms.
Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship.
The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles.
As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions.