New Delhi: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted flight trials of the groundbreaking Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, on Tuesday.
During the trials, the missile demonstrated its effectiveness against ship targets when launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter. The test highlighted the missile’s Man-in-Loop capability, achieving a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile’s terminal guidance is powered by an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker.
The mission also showcased the missile’s high bandwidth two-way datalink system, which transmits live images from the seeker back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting. This advanced feature allows the pilot to select a target mid-flight, as demonstrated during the trials.
The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode, where several targets were in close proximity. Initially, it locked on to a large target within a specified search zone, but during the terminal phase, the pilot successfully retargeted the missile to a smaller hidden target, resulting in a pinpoint hit.
Developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, the NASM-SR missile is now being produced in collaboration with MSMEs, start-ups, and other production partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners for the successful trials, emphasizing the unique Man-in-Loop feature that allows for in-flight retargeting.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also praised the efforts of the DRDO team, users, and industry collaborators in achieving this milestone.
