The Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have achieved a significant milestone by successfully executing the first salvo firing of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR). The test was conducted from a Sea King helicopter off the coast of Odisha, showcasing the system's ability to launch two missiles in quick succession. This salvo capability is designed to overwhelm enemy defenses by saturating them with multiple incoming threats simultaneously.
Successful Demonstration of Salvo Capability
During the test, telemetry data confirmed that all objectives were met. The missiles struck the vulnerable waterline of target vessels, ensuring maximum damage. The NASM-SR is a fire-and-forget missile that can lock onto its target after launch, providing flexibility and reducing the risk to the launching platform. It carries a 100-kilogram warhead and can reach distances of up to 55 kilometers at high subsonic speeds while flying at low altitudes to evade detection. The missile's long-burn sustainer motor ensures extended powered flight, enhancing its range and maneuverability.
Indigenous Development and Industry Support
Critical systems of the NASM-SR have been developed indigenously with support from Indian industry partners. This aligns with the government's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Work is also underway on a longer-range variant, the Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Medium Range (NASM-MR), which was showcased on the Navy's MiG-29K fighter jet at Aero India 2025. The successful salvo launch marks a step forward in enhancing the Indian Navy's anti-ship warfare capabilities.
