New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur on 25 February 2025. The missile was launched from an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter, demonstrating its effectiveness against ship targets.
The trials validated the missile’s Man-in-Loop capability, achieving a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile is equipped with an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance. The mission also demonstrated a high-bandwidth two-way data link system, allowing the seeker’s live images to be transmitted back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting.
During the trial, the missile was launched in Bearing-Only Lock-on After Launch mode with multiple targets in close proximity. It initially locked onto a larger target within a designated search zone. In the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller, concealed target, which the missile struck with pinpoint accuracy.
The missile features an indigenous fibre optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation system and a radio altimeter for mid-course guidance. It incorporates an integrated avionics module, electro-mechanical actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries, and a PCB warhead. The propulsion system consists of a solid-fuel booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials successfully met all mission objectives.
The missile has been developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. Production is being carried out by Development-cum-Production Partners in collaboration with MSMEs, start-ups, and other industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industry partners on the successful trials. He highlighted that the Man-in-Loop capability is a unique feature, providing in-flight retargeting.
Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also commended the DRDO team, the users, and the industry partners for their achievement.
BI Bureau
