The Indian Navy on Friday successfully tested a vertical-launch, short-range, surface-to-air missile (VL-SRSAM) from a warship anchored off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha. Defence minister Rajnath Singh tweeted shortly after the test to congratulate the Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for their efforts.
“Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy and the industry for the successful flight test of vertical-launch, short-range, surface-to-air missile off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. This success will further enhance the defence capability of Indian naval ships against the aerial threats,” the minister said, sharing photos of the missile test.
VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
According to the DRDO, today’s launch of the system was conducted against a high-speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.
“The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Navy,” they said.
Earlier this month India also successfully tested its nuclear-capable Agni-4 intermediate range ballistic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The defence ministry said the test reaffirmed India’s policy of having a ‘credible minimum deterrence’ capability.
