Current Affairs

Issue

India has successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) for use in Indian Naval Ships.

Background

This is the second consecutive time that India has tested the VL-SRSAM since February this year.

Details

• The three facilities of Defence Research and Development Organisation jointly designed and developed the VL-SRSAM for deploying in Indian Naval warships.

• The missile has the capability to target aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets. 

• The sea skimming tactic is used by anti-ship missiles and some fighter jets to avoid getting detected. They fly close to sea surface, making it difficult to detect.

Designing

• High-speed air-borne targets within 40 to 50 km range, flying at an altitude of around 15 km, can be targeted.

• The design of VL-SRSAM is based on Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missile Astra missile. This makes it a potent weapon.

Special feature

• Main features include cruciform wings and thrust vectoring. They give the projective a stable aerodynamic posture.

• The thrust vectoring gives it the ability to change the direction of the thrust from its engine and control velocity and the attitude of the missile.

• The missile is in cannisterised form. It makes transport and storage easier and improves the shelf life of weapons.

Significance of test

• The successful testing of these systems is critical for future launches of the missile from Indian Naval Ships during actual conditions.

• These missiles can be used in countermeasure technology to protect naval assets from enemy offensive.