Key Highlights
- The Defence Research & Development Organisation together with the Indian Navy validated the Vertically‑Launched Short‑Range Surface‑to‑Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on 26 March 2025.
- The launch took place from a land‑based vertical pad at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, showcasing near‑boundary, low‑altitude interception.
- Indigenous subsystems – RF seeker, multi‑function radar and weapon‑control unit – performed within specifications.
- Successful engagement augments the Navy’s short‑range air‑defence envelope and underscores India’s self‑reliance in weapons design.
Detailed Insights
The missile departed a static vertical launcher and pursued a high‑speed aerial surrogate positioned at a minimal standoff distance. Employing a rapid turn‑rate manoeuvre, the weapon intercepted and neutralised the target at low altitude, confirming the promised near‑boundary, low‑altitude (NBLA) capability. All constituents of the combat configuration, including the RF seeker, multi‑function radar (MFR) and the weapon control system (WCS), operated cohesively, while telemetry collected by ITR Chandipur’s range instrumentation provided a comprehensive data set for post‑flight analysis.
Strategically, the VLSRSAM adds a decisive layer to the Indian Navy’s layered defence architecture, enabling swift reaction against sea‑skimming missiles and low‑level aircraft. The indigenous nature of the system reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and aligns with the nation’s ‘Make‑in‑India’ defence agenda.
Key Concepts
- Near‑Boundary‑Low‑Altitude (NBLA) Capability: The ability to detect, track and destroy targets that operate just above the sea surface and within the radar horizon.
- RF Seeker: A radio‑frequency based homing head that locks onto the electromagnetic signature of the target for precise guidance.
- Multi‑Function Radar (MFR): An all‑weather radar system that fuses detection, tracking and fire‑control data to steer the missile.
- Weapon Control System (WCS): The onboard computer that orchestrates sensor inputs, trajectory calculation and propulsion commands during the engagement.