The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, at 1200 hours on March 26, the Defence Ministry said.
The test using a land-based vertical launcher validated the missile’s Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability by engaging a high-speed aerial target at close range and low altitude. According to the Defence Ministry, the missile executed a high turn rate, precisely destroying the target, demonstrating its agility, reliability, and accuracy.
The trial was carried out in combat configuration, with all system elements—missile, indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System—performing as expected. The missile’s performance was validated using flight data from range instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners, highlighting the missile as proof of India’s growing defence R&D capabilities. He emphasized that VLSRSAM would serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy.
DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat also lauded the teams involved, stating that the modern technologies integrated into the missile will further strengthen the Armed Forces.
The back-to-back flight tests of the VLSRSAM had been conducted last year on September 12 and 13. Initially designed for naval use with a 40 km range, the missile has since been upgraded to strike targets at 80 km. The efforts are also underway to adapt the VLSRSAM for the Indian Air Force, enabling it to protect air bases.
Based on the Astra air-to-air missile, the VLSRSAM features an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS), housing multiple missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration. Designed for quick-reaction interception, it can counter threats from all directions, making it highly effective against anti-ship missiles and sea-skimming fighter jets that evade radar detection.
.@DRDO_India & @indiannavy successfully test-fired the indigenously developed #VLSRSAM from off Odisha coast. The missile destroyed a high-speed aerial target at close range & low altitude, proving its agility, reliability & pinpoint accuracy. Equipped with an indigenous RF… pic.twitter.com/gHBEnWaztK
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 26, 2025
Recent Advances in Naval Missile Technology
In a separate milestone, on February 26 last month, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter at ITR Chandipur. The test demonstrated the missile’s capability to engage ship targets, marking a significant leap in India’s indigenous naval strike capabilities.
Team BharatShakti
