DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Conduct Maiden Salvo Launch of Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR)

Key Facts

• The maiden salvo launch involved firing two NASM-SR missiles in quick succession from a single naval helicopter (Westland Sea King Mk.42B).
• The launch took place off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal.
• Organizations involved: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy.
• Tracking and monitoring were conducted by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, using radar, electro-optical devices, and telemetry systems.
• The missile system was developed by Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) in collaboration with DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory.
• Production involves Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP), Indian industries, and start-ups.

Background & Context

NASM-SR (Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range) is India's first indigenous air-launched naval anti-ship missile. It is intended to replace older systems like the Sea Eagle missile, previously employed on Sea King helicopters. The missile employs advanced indigenous technologies including a solid propulsion booster, a long-burn sustainer, a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation system, radio altimeter, advanced infrared imaging seeker, two-way high-bandwidth data link for mid-course and terminal guidance, and jet-vane control with sophisticated guidance algorithms. It supports sea-skimming and lofted trajectory modes with fire-and-forget capability plus re-targeting via datalink (human-in-the-loop). The missile can be launched from helicopters, ships, and potentially land-based platforms.

The maiden salvo launch demonstrates India's capability to operate multiple missiles in quick succession from a single platform, enhancing naval combat effectiveness and reflects a significant advancement in indigenous defence R&D and maritime operational preparedness.

Why This Matters for Exams

This successful salvo launch highlights critical themes relevant to Indian defence modernization, such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), indigenous missile development, and naval strategic capabilities. Competitions and exams may test knowledge of contemporary DRDO projects, Indian Navy advancements, strategic missile systems, and indigenous defence production. Understanding NASM-SR’s development, specifications, and operational significance accords candidates a competitive edge.

Points to Remember

• NASM-SR is the first indigenous air-launched naval anti-ship missile developed for the Indian Navy.
• The maiden salvo test involved firing two missiles in quick succession from a single Sea King helicopter off Odisha coast.
• Tracking and monitoring were conducted by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
• The missile includes advanced guidance and navigation technologies such as fibre-optic gyroscope INS, radio altimeter, infrared imaging seeker, and two-way datalink.
• Developed by Research Centre Imarat and collaborating DRDO labs, with production involving Indian industries and start-ups.
• Enhances India’s naval strike capability and strengthens indigenous defence technology base.