India Successfully Flight Tests Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile

In a big boost to Indian Navy's defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday (7 December) conducted successful test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile.

The missile was flight tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude.

"The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. All sub-systems performed as per expectation," the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Tuesday.

According to the ministry, the launch of the system was conducted to "validate integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle, weapon control system etc. required for future launches of the missile from Indian Naval Ships".

The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO and Indian Navy.

The first trial of the missile was conducted on 22 February 2021 and the latest test firing was the confirmatory trial to prove the consistent performance of the configuration and integrated operation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and industry for the successful flight test and said that this system will further enhance defence capability of Indian Naval Ships against aerial threats.