India Conducts Maiden Test Of First Indigenously Developed Air-Launched Anti-Ship Missile

Indian Navy on Wednesday (18 May) conducted a successful test firing of first indigenously developed air-launched naval anti-ship missile off odisha coast.

The missile was fired from a SeaKing 42B naval helicopter at Integrated Test Range, Balasore off the coast of Odisha.

The test was conducted by the Indian Navy in association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This firing is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in niche missile technology and reaffirms the Indian Navy's commitment to indigenisation, an official statement said.

It is the first indigenous air-launched Anti-ship missile system for Indian Navy.

The missile followed the desired sea skimming trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree of accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms, reports ANI.

All the sub-systems performed satisfactorily. The sensors deployed across the test range and near impact point tracked the missile trajectory and captured all the events.

"The missile employed many new technologies, including an indigenously developed launcher for the helicopter. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The flight test was witnessed by senior officers of DRDO and the Indian Navy, it added.

The 55-km range helicopter launched Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) is being developed for meeting the current and future needs of the Indian Navy as the force is looking to replace its Sea King fleets.