VL-SRSAM missile system successfully test-fired

What is the News?

Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by the Defence Research & Development Organization(DRDO) and the Indian Navy from an Indian Naval Ship at Integrated Test Range(ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

What is VL-SRSAM?

VL-SRSAM is a ship-borne weapon system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO) for deployment in the Indian Naval warships. 

Purpose: It is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.

Note: Sea skimming is a technique of flying as low as possible (always below 50 meters from sea level). This will make it hard to detect the flying object by radar, and infrared detection techniques in ships. Further, it will reduce the probability of getting shot down while approaching a target. 

Range: It can strike a target at the range of 40 to 50 km.

Features: The missile has been designed based on the Astra missile, which is a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missile.

VL-SRSAM is a canisterised based missile system. Hence, it is stored and operated from specially designed compartments. In the canister, the inside environment is controlled, thus making its transport and storage easier and improving the shelf life of weapons.

Significance: The launch of this indigenous missile system will further strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Source: The post is based on the article “VL-SRSAM missile system successfully test-fired” published in Indian Express on 25th June 2022.