New Delhi: India successfully conducted flight-trials of first-of-its-kind the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter on Tuesday. The missile was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur and hit a small ship target with high accuracy. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted the trial.
The missile demonstrated its advanced Man-in-Loop feature, which allows pilots to change targets while the missile is in flight. Initially, the missile locked onto a large target but was redirected to a smaller hidden target, successfully destroying it. It also used an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker to guide it during the final phase of flight. A two-way data link transmitted real-time images back to the pilot, enabling precise in-flight adjustments.
For mid-course guidance, the missile used an Indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Radio Altimeter. Its propulsion system includes a solid-fuel booster and a long-burn sustainer, ensuring stable flight and impact. The missile also features Electro-Mechanical actuators, an Integrated Avionics Module, Thermal Batteries, and a PCB Warhead for effective control and destruction capability.
The missile was developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). It is being produced in collaboration with MSMEs, start-ups, and industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the defence industry for the successful trial. He highlighted the importance of the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature, which allows in-flight retargeting. Dr. Samir V Kamat, chairman of DRDO, also praised the teams involved in developing and testing the missile.
