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

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

  • 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.

Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM

  • 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.

Design of VL-SRSAM

  • 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.

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