According to information published by the Indian government on June 24, 2022, Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy from an Indian Naval Ship at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
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Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile, Chandipur. (Picture source: Indian MoD)
The VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system, is meant for neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
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 was monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO & the Indian Navy.
About VL-SRSAM
VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. It also includes additional jet vane-driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.
VL-SRSAM was conceived for the area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on the availability of space on the ship.
The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions.
Although the plan was to develop a short-range air defence missile, VL-SRSAM achieved a range of 60 km making it a medium-range air defence system. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.
