"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.