Balasore (Odisha) June 24
India on Friday successfully test-fired a ship-borne Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, an official statement said.
The VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system, is intended to neutralize various airborne threats at close range, including ocean-skimming targets, the statement said.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy on the success of the mission.
“Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy and 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 defense capability of Indian Navy ships against aerial threats,” he tweeted.
Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy and Industry for successful flight test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. This success will further enhance the defense capability of Indian Navy ships against air threats. pic.twitter.com/ltkUyhm0iR
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) 24 June 2022
According to the statement, the flight path of the vehicle with health parameters was monitored by senior officers of DRDO and Navy using multiple tracking devices deployed by ITR Chandipur.
The launch was conducted against a high-speed air target mimicry aircraft, which was successfully engaged, it said.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Navy, also appreciated the efforts of the Navy and DRDO.
He said that the development of this indigenous missile system will further strengthen the defensive capability of the Indian Navy.
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO appreciated the teams involved in the operation.
He said the weapon system will prove to be a force-multiplier for the Indian Navy and is another milestone in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.