The Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Mormugao, achieved a significant milestone by successfully intercepting a sea-skimming supersonic target.

In naval warfare, the term "sea-skimming" refers to a tactical approach employed by certain missiles or aircraft to navigate at a low altitude, closely following the contour of the ocean's surface.

This technique is employed to minimize the radar signature and increase the chances of evading detection by enemy radar systems. Sea-skimming missiles or aircraft fly at altitudes typically ranging from a few meters to a few dozen meters above the water, making it challenging for radar systems to track them accurately.

By hugging the sea surface, these platforms exploit the "ground clutter" effect, where radar signals bounce off the water's surface, making it difficult to differentiate the incoming threat from the surrounding environment. Sea-skimming capabilities provide a significant tactical advantage by enhancing the chances of successful target engagement and reducing the reaction time for defensive measures.

Effectively countering sea-skimming threats necessitates advanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities by naval forces.