One of the key aspects of the VLSRSAM missile system is its indigenous design and development
In yet another demonstration of India’s growing defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have achieved back-to-back successful flight tests of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM). The two tests, conducted on September 12 and 13, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, showcased the missile’s precision and reliability, reinforcing India's position in the defence technology sector.

The successful flight tests of the VLSRSAM system represent a significant achievement for India’s defence capabilities. With this achievement, the VLSRSAM system is ready for full-scale deployment on naval ships.

What is the VLSRSAM?

 The VLSRSAM, as the name indicates, is a Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) that is fired from a Vertical Launcher. A land-based launcher was used for the two tests.

It is designed for quick response and precise targeting, capable of identifying and neutralizing threats from all directions. It was originally developed for the Indian Navy to protect naval assets from airborne threats like fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and anti-ship missiles. The missile can target enemy objects within a range of up to 40 kilometers. However, recent enhancements, tested during these trials, are believed to have expanded its strike range to 80 kilometers, adding significant strength to India’s maritime defence.

One of the key aspects of the VLSRSAM system is its indigenous design and development, a significant achievement in India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology. Developed by the DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Navy, the VLSRSAM is based on the Astra air-to-air missile system. It features an integrated weapon control system that can manage multiple missiles at once, housed in a twin quad-pack canister configuration. This allows naval ships to store and launch multiple missiles simultaneously, significantly enhancing their defensive capabilities.

Why Were These Back-to-Back Tests Conducted?

 The latest flight tests were conducted to validate several critical upgrades to the missile system. These include improvements to the proximity fuse and radio-frequency seeker, both of which enhance the missile’s ability to detect, track, and engage incoming threats with greater accuracy.

The proximity fuse is an essential component in surface-to-air missiles, allowing the missile to explode near the target rather than needing a direct hit. This increases the likelihood of destroying fast-moving aerial threats. Meanwhile, the seeker is responsible for locking onto and tracking the target, ensuring that the missile stays on course even in the face of evasive maneuvers by enemy aircraft or missiles.

What Were the Parameters Used to Evaluate the Tests?

 The performance of the VLSRSAM during both flight tests was meticulously tracked using a variety of high-tech instruments, including radar systems and telemetry devices. These systems ensured that every aspect of the missile’s flight, from launch to impact, was closely monitored and recorded for analysis.

Electro-optical tracking systems, which use cameras and other optical sensors to capture real-time imagery, played a crucial role in verifying the missile’s accuracy. Radar telemetry ensured that data on speed, altitude, and trajectory was continuously relayed back to ground-based monitoring stations. This data was then used to confirm that the missile successfully intercepted its target under the given test conditions.

Why the Successful Tests are a Big Step Forward 

 The second consecutive test, conducted on September 13, successfully intercepted a high-speed aerial target flying at a very low altitude, simulating a sea-skimming threat. The ability to neutralize such targets is crucial for naval defence, as many modern anti-ship missiles fly close to the sea surface to evade radar detection. This success demonstrated the missile’s advanced capabilities in dealing with complex, real-world scenarios.

The test followed a first successful flight on September 12, when the VLSRSAM system engaged another low-altitude target with similar effectiveness. Together, these two tests represent a significant leap in the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities, especially in defending against aerial threats that employ evasive tactics.

What Makes the VLSRAM Such an Effective Weapon 

The VLSRSAM uses solid propellant, which ensures high-speed performance. With a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 (approximately 5,500 kilometers per hour), the missile can intercept targets flying at altitudes as high as 16 kilometers. Its high speed and precision make it an ideal weapon for neutralizing high-speed threats, such as enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles, which often rely on sea-skimming tactics to avoid detection.

While the VLSRSAM was originally developed for the Indian Navy, its success has attracted interest from the Indian Air Force as well. Plans are already underway to adapt the missile system for use in protecting Indian air bases from aerial threats. The ability to deploy the same missile system across multiple branches of the armed forces will streamline defence logistics and ensure a more cohesive response to threats.

How the VLSRSAM can be a Force Multiplier 

 The VLSRSAM system, with its ability to engage multiple types of aerial threats at various altitudes, will undoubtedly serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy and Air Force. Its successful development and testing mark another step forward in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence. With the missile now ready for integration onto naval ships, India is well-prepared to bolster its maritime defences against evolving global threats.

As global maritime challenges increase, the VLSRSAM will be instrumental in protecting India’s vast coastline and critical naval assets, ensuring the nation’s security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

What Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Said 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Navy, and all involved teams for their successful efforts. He emphasized that this missile, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, will provide a substantial technological boost to the Indian Armed Forces. “These successful flight tests reaffirm the reliability and effectiveness of the VLSRSAM system. It is a testament to India’s self-reliance in defence technology,” Singh said in a statement.

DRDO Chairman of DRDO and Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams involved in the successful tests. “The validation of these upgrades is a critical milestone. With this achievement, the VLSRSAM system is ready for full-scale deployment on naval ships,” he said. Kamat also highlighted that these advancements would significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and provide a much-needed edge in modern naval warfare.