New Delhi, June 24 Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Navy on Friday successfully flight tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from an Indian Naval Ship at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
The VL-SRSAM, a ship borne weapon system, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets, official statement said.
The launch of the system was conducted against a high speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.
The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur, the statement added.
The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Navy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and the industry for the successful flight-test and stated that the system has added an armour that will further enhance defence capability of Indian Naval ships against aerial threats.
“Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy & the industry for the successful flight test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. This success will further enhance the defence capability of Indian Naval Ships against the aerial threats,” Defence Minister said in a tweet.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar appreciated the Indian Navy and DRDO for the successful flight test of the VL-SRSAM and said the development of this indigenous missile system will further strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy complimented the teams involved in the successful flight test.
He said the test has proved the integration of indigenous weapon system onboard Indian Naval Ships.
It will prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy and is another milestone towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he added.
