DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conduct back-to-back tests of VLSRSAM missile system.

According to information published by the Indian government on September 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully completed back-to-back flight tests of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) system off the coast of Odisha.
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Test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile or VLSRSAM. (Picture source: Indian government)

The second test, conducted on September 13, 2024, took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur and demonstrated the missile's ability to intercept a fast-moving aerial target simulating a sea-skimming threat. This successful test followed a similar one held the previous day, where the missile also engaged a low-altitude target.

VL-SRSAM

One of the features of the VL-SRSAM is its vertical launch capability. By being launched vertically, the missile achieves 360-degree coverage, allowing it to engage targets from any direction without the need to reposition the launcher. This vertical launching method also saves valuable deck space on naval ships, enabling the installation of additional missiles or other essential equipment.

The missile is optimized for short-range engagements, capable of effectively targeting threats up to 40 kilometers away. Equipped with an advanced guidance system, the VL-SRSAM uses active radar homing for precise target tracking during the terminal phase and relies on inertial navigation for mid-course guidance.

Strategically, the VL-SRSAM fills a critical gap in the Indian Navy's short-range air defense, replacing older systems with a more modern and capable solution. Its indigenous development reduces dependency on foreign technology and arms imports, aligning with the government's "Make in India" initiative. With its advanced features and cost-effectiveness, the VL-SRSAM also has the potential to attract interest from other countries seeking to upgrade their naval defense systems.

Technically, the missile measures approximately four meters in length and about 0.2 meters in diameter, weighing roughly 154 kilograms. It is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor and is armed with a high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead.