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India Successfully Test Fires Two Short Range Surface To Air Missiles from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

By : Author Desk Updated : 2024-09-18 15:09:09

INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRES TWO SHORT RANGE SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES

India has recently achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test-firing of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on two consecutive days. This achievement highlights India’s growing expertise in advanced missile technology and enhances its maritime defense capabilities. DETAILS OF TEST FIRES
  1. Test Dates and Locations:
    • The tests were conducted on September 12 and 13 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, located on the Odisha coast.
    • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly carried out the tests.
  1. Test Outcomes:
    • The VLSRSAM successfully intercepted high-speed, low-altitude aerial targets designed to simulate sea-skimming threats, which are particularly challenging for naval defense systems.
    • The missile demonstrated precise targeting and neutralization capabilities against aerial targets mimicking real-world sea-skimming enemy missiles.
ABOUT VERTICAL LAUNCH SHORT RANGE SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE
  • System Design and Purpose:
    • The VLSRSAM is a ship-borne weapon system intended to counter a variety of aerial threats at close ranges. This includes threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles.
    • It is specifically designed to intercept sea-skimming targets, enhancing the defense capabilities of naval platforms.
  • Guidance and Performance:
    • The missile utilizes a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system during its mid-course phase and an active radar homing system during the terminal phase.
    • It weighs approximately 170 kg, uses solid propellant, and reaches speeds of up to Mach 4.5. It can achieve an altitude of 16 km.
  • Technological Features:
    • Equipped with advanced guidance systems and cutting-edge technologies, the VLSRSAM offers enhanced agility and precision in targeting.
    • The system's successful demonstration strengthens India's ability to address maritime aerial threats effectively.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST
  • Enhancing Naval Defense:
    • The successful test-firing of the VLSRSAM marks a critical achievement in bolstering the Indian Navy's defense capabilities, ensuring a robust mechanism against evolving aerial threats.
  • Indigenous Defense Production:
    • The VLSRSAM system shows to India's advancements in indigenous defense technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of DRDO and the Navy, highlighting the importance of self-reliance in defense production.
  • Strategic Impact:
    • The missile's success contributes significantly to national security by enhancing India’s capability to defend against various airborne threats in maritime operations.
ABOUT DRDO The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a premier agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, DRDO was formed by merging the Defence Science Organisation with several technical development establishments. DRDO stands as India’s largest research organization, focusing on the development of cutting-edge defense technologies.
  • Headquarters:
    • Located in New Delhi, DRDO oversees a network of laboratories spread across the country.
  • Core Areas of Research:
    • DRDO is involved in various domains including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.
    • The organization aims to create state-of-the-art defense technologies to enhance India's military capabilities.
HISTORICAL MILESTONES OF DRDO
  1. Early Projects:
    • DRDO’s initial project was Project Indigo, which focused on surface-to-air missiles (SAM).
    • Although this project had limited success and was discontinued, it laid the foundation for future advancements.
  1. Notable Developments:
    • Aircraft Avionics and UAVs: Development of advanced avionics systems for aircraft and the creation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the Rustom 2, which is akin to the US's Predator drone.
    • Armament and Artillery Systems: Development of small arms, artillery systems, and tanks, contributing significantly to India’s land combat capabilities.
    • Electronic Warfare Systems: Creation of sophisticated electronic warfare systems that enhance operational effectiveness.
  • Missile Systems:
    • DRDO has been instrumental in developing various ballistic missiles under its Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. This includes:
      • Prithvi: A surface-to-surface missile.
      • Trishul: A short-range surface-to-air missile.
      • Agni: A series of strategic missiles with different ranges.
      • Akash: A medium-range surface-to-air missile.
      • Nag: An anti-tank guided missile.
  • Space and Naval Innovations:
    • Anti-Satellite System: In March 2019, DRDO developed India’s first anti-satellite system, elevating India’s status as a space superpower.
    • INS Arihant: Co-development of India’s first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, which became operational in 2018.
    • BSAT: A self-ejectable black box for airplanes that assists in locating wreckage in the event of a crash over water.
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