The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted flight trials of the indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, on February 25.
“The trials demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets when launched from an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter,” DRDO stated.
DRDO and Indian Navy successfully flight tested Naval Anti Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) on 25 Feb 2025 from ITR, Chandipur. The trials have proven the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature and scored a direct hit on a small Ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range pic.twitter.com/ykNTYl2RKR
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) February 26, 2025
The tests validated the missile’s Man-in-the-Loop feature, which allows in-flight retargeting. It resulted in 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 (IIR) Seeker for terminal guidance. According to an official statement, it features a high-bandwidth two-way datalink, enabling real-time transmission of seeker images to the pilot for precision targeting.
During the test, the missile was launched in Bearing-Only Lock-on After Launch (BO-LOAL) mode, where multiple targets were in close proximity. The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.
The NASM-SR incorporates cutting-edge indigenous technologies, including a Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance. It also features an integrated avionics module, electro-mechanical actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries, and a Pre-Fragmented Blast (PFB) warhead. Propulsion is provided by a solid-fuel system with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials successfully met all mission objectives, claimed DRDO.
Multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), have developed the missile. Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) are producing it, with contributions from MSMEs, startups, and other industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners on the successful trials and stressed the significance of the Man-in-the-Loop feature, which enables real-time in-flight retargeting.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Samir V. Kamat, also commended the DRDO teams, users, and industry partners for their contributions to the missile’s development and successful testing.
Team BharatShakti
