New Delhi: The Indian Navy and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha on September 12, 2024. The test, conducted at around 1500 hours, involved a land-based vertical launcher engaging a high-speed aerial target at low altitude. This successful engagement underscores India’s growing prowess in defence technology and strategic capability.
Pivotal in validating several updated components of the missile system, including its Proximity Fuse and Seeker, the VL-SRSAM test performance was meticulously monitored using Radar Electro-Optical Tracking Systems and telemetry, ensuring the missile’s tracking and targeting capabilities met the desired specifications. This success not only demonstrates the missile’s effectiveness but also highlights the advancements in India’s indigenous missile technology.
Subsequently, India successfully conducted a second consecutive day of testing of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on September 13 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on the Odisha coast, claimed Defence sources. These successive testing not only confirm the weapon system’s dependability but also the efficacy of the most recent modifications made to its numerous parts.
According to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the two tests conducted on September 12 and 13 were successful. “In both the tests, the missile successfully intercepted a high-speed low altitude aerial target mimicking a sea skimming aerial target. The missile demonstrated its accuracy and capacity to neutralise targets,” the statement said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Navy, DRDO, and other related teams for the successful flight testing. He also remarked that the Armed Forces will benefit from an additional technological boost from this missile’s current technology.
