India successfully tests Indian Navy’s VL-SRSAM missile system

India tests VL-SRSAM missile system: VL-SRSAM missile system being tested by India from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in Odisha. The Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was designed and developed locally by DRDO for the Indian Navy. On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, the DRDO and Indian Navy successfully tested the VL-SRSAM missile system from an Indian Navy vessel against a high-speed unmanned aerial target. The test was carried out as a demonstration of the vertical launch capability of the missile system. The VL-SRSAM missile was equipped with the

.@DRDO_India and the Indian Navy has successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM).

The missile was tested from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off Odisha. This missile was designed and developed locally by DRDO.

– All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts)
August 23, 2022

After the successful test, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Indian Navy. He also added that the new missile system will prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy. DRDO Chairman and Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary of the Department of Defense R&D said that the successful test carried out today proves the effectiveness of VL-SRSAM and will help the Indian Navy in neutralizing the short-range aerial threats.

About VL-SRSAM

The Vertical Launch System – Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile was developed as a fast-reacting surface-to-air missile for the Indian Navy. The missile was specially designed by DRDO using four short-range, long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. The range of the VL-SRSAM missile system is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 40-50 km at an altitude of about 15 km. In addition, the VL-SRSAM is a canisterized system and each missile is stored and operated from specific compartments, which facilitates its transport and storage. The canisterized design of the missile system also improves weapon shelf life.

The missile can be used to neutralize various medium and short range aerial threats. The missiles are also capable of intercepting fighter jets and sea shaving missiles which are used to avoid radar detection. The new missile system is being developed to replace the existing Barak 1 surface-to-air missile system which is used on Indian Navy ships. In the future, DRDO also plans to make it available to the Indian Air Force as a short-range air defense system.