India’s First-Of-Its-Kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile Passes Crucial Flight Trials—All About It

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy carried out successful flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur on Wednesday (25 February).

The trials demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets while being launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter.

The trials validated the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature, successfully hitting a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range.

The missile uses an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance.

The mission also has demonstrated the high bandwidth two way datalink system, which is used to transmit the seeker live images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting, according to a Defence Ministry release.

The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode, selecting a target among several in close vicinity. Initially, it locked onto a large target within a designated search zone.

During the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target, resulting in it being  hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile incorporates an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and a Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance.

It features an Integrated Avionics Module, Electro-Mechanical Actuators for Aerodynamic and Jet Vane Control, Thermal Batteries, and a PCB Warhead.

It utilises solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials successfully met all mission objectives.

The missile is developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory.

Currently, missile production is being undertaken by Development cum Production Partners in collaboration with MSMEs, start-ups, and other production partners.

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