DRDO Successfully Tests Naval Anti-Ship Missile 'NASM-SR' From Indian Navy's Sea King Helicopters

In a significant move to enhance the Indian Navy's indigenous anti-ship capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an anti-ship missile, NASM-SR, today (on 21 November).

The test, conducted jointly by the navy and DRDO, involved the firing of the missile from a Sea King helicopter, showcasing its precision guidance technology.

The Naval Anti-Ship Missile - Short Range (NASM-SR) is a helicopter-fired missile capable of destroying small boats or offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) at a maximum range of 55 kilometres while travelling at 0.8 Mach.

Although the explosively formed penetrator (EFP) warhead weighs only 100 kilograms, it is small yet capable of destroying even large ships if the missile hits the area of the ship where ammunition or fuel is stored.

After the retirement of Sea King Mk42B helicopters, which are in their last leg of service, the NASM-SR missile will be integrated with the newly-acquired MH-60R helicopters from the United States.