Bhubaneswar: In a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The missile, launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter, demonstrated its precision and effectiveness against ship targets. The trials, held recently, showcased the missile’s advanced Man-in-Loop feature, enabling it to score a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile is equipped with an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance, ensuring high accuracy. Additionally, the mission successfully demonstrated a high-bandwidth two-way datalink system, which transmits live seeker images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting. The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after Launch (LOAL) mode, with multiple targets in close proximity. Initially, the missile locked onto a larger target within a specified search zone. However, during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller, hidden target, which was hit with pinpoint accuracy. This capability highlights the missile’s flexibility and precision in complex combat scenarios. The NASM-SR incorporates cutting-edge indigenous technologies, including a Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance, an Integrated Avionics Module, Electro-Mechanical Actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries, and a PCB warhead. The missile’s propulsion system features a solid propulsion mechanism with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The missile has been developed by various DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. Production of the missile is being carried out by Development cum Production Partners, with support from MSMEs, start-ups, and other industry collaborators. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Navy, and industry partners for the successful flight tests. He highlighted the uniqueness of the Man-in-Loop feature, which provides the capability for in-flight retargeting, enhancing the missile’s operational flexibility. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also praised the DRDO team, users, and industry partners for their contributions to this achievement.
