The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested India developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) for the Indian Navy on 22 February. VL-SRSAM is meant for neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
“Indigenously designed & developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) by DRDO for Indian Navy has undergone two successful launches today. The missile is capable of neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges,” states the DRDO release.
The tests were carried out from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. “The current launches were carried out for demonstration of vertical launch capability as part of its maiden launch campaign. On both occasions, the missiles intercepted the simulated targets with pinpoint accuracy. The missiles were tested for minimum and maximum range. VL-SRSAM with Weapon Control System (WCS) were deployed during the trials,” added the release.
During the test launches, flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various Range instruments such as Radar, EOTS and Telemetry systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur.
The present trials have proved the effectiveness of the weapon system and few more trials will be conducted shortly before deployment on Indian Naval ships.