DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile

Why in the News?

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. This marks a significant advancement in India’s maritime warfare technology.

DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile

Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) – Key Features

  • Man-in-Loop Feature – Allows in-flight retargeting for precise attacks.
  • Bearing-Only Lock-on after Launch Mode – Enables target selection in close-range combat.
  • Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker – Ensures high-accuracy terminal guidance.
  • Mid-Course Guidance System – Uses Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter.
  • Integrated Avionics Module – Includes electro-mechanical actuators, PCB warhead, and thermal batteries.
  • Advanced Propulsion System – Features solid propulsion, ejectable booster, and long-burn sustainer.
  • Two-Way Data Link – Provides real-time seeker image transmission for retargeting.
  • Developed by DRDO labs – RCI, DRDL, HEMRL, and TBRL.
  • Successful Flight Trials – Conducted by DRDO & Indian Navy at ITR, Chandipur.
  • First-of-its-Kind – Enhances India’s maritime warfare and defense capabilities.

Development and Strategic Importance:

  • NASM-SR is developed by multiple DRDO labs, including:
    • Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
    • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
    • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
    • Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
  • The missile will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities and bolster India’s self-reliance in defense technology.

Man-in-Loop Missile – Key Features & Working

  • Definition – A missile that allows real-time human intervention during flight for decision-making.
  • In-Flight Retargeting – Pilot can redirect the missile based on live seeker images.
  • Developed By – DRDO & Indian Navy for advanced maritime warfare.
  • Bearing-Only Lock-On Mode – Launched with a broad direction towards the target.
  • Live Seeker Image Transmission – Uses high-bandwidth two-way data link for real-time updates.
  • Sea-Skimming Mode – Flies low over the sea to evade radar detection.
  • Terminal Phase Guidance – Equipped with Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker (IIR) for precision strikes.