SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant leap in its maritime defense capabilities with the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), a new class of high-speed warships expected to be the first to integrate the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). This development, spotlighted during recent discussions at Aero India 2025 and reinforced by successful test firings, marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology and underscores the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its layered air defense systems.
The NGMVs, currently under construction by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) following a ?9,804 crore contract signed in March 2023, represent a cutting-edge addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet. Designed as agile, weapon-intensive platforms, these vessels are tailored for offensive and defensive operations, including maritime strike, anti-surface warfare, and sea denial at strategic choke points. With a maximum speed of 33 knots and a crew of 80 personnel, the six NGMVs are slated for delivery starting in March 2027, with subsequent ships following at regular intervals.
Equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry—such as surface-to-surface missile systems, anti-missile defenses, and air surveillance radars—the NGMVs are engineered to counter a spectrum of threats, from enemy warships to aerial incursions. Their role as the inaugural carriers of the VL-SRSAM positions them at the forefront of India’s naval modernization efforts, blending indigenous innovation with operational versatility.
The VL-SRSAM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a vertically launched, short-range surface-to-air missile designed to neutralize aerial threats at close ranges and low altitudes. Weighing 170 kg, with a length of 3,931 mm and a diameter of 178 mm, this compact yet potent missile is a successor to the aging Barak-1 system currently deployed on Indian naval ships. Its successful test firings, including back-to-back trials on September 12-13, 2024, and a notable launch on March 26, 2025, off Odisha’s Chandipur coast, have demonstrated its agility, reliability, and pinpoint accuracy.
During the March 2025 test, the VL-SRSAM intercepted a high-speed, low-altitude target mimicking a sea-skimming threat—a capability critical for defending against anti-ship missiles and drones. Equipped with an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker and paired with a Multi-Function Radar (MFR) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the missile system has validated its combat configuration, signaling its readiness for operational deployment. Posts on X and defense reports suggest that only a few trials remain before the VL-SRSAM is fully inducted into the Navy’s arsenal.
The integration of the VL-SRSAM into the NGMVs is a strategic fit. As a point-defense system, the missile enhances the vessels’ ability to protect themselves and nearby assets from fast-moving aerial threats, complementing their offensive surface-to-surface missile capabilities. The VL-SRSAM’s vertical launch configuration allows for 360-degree coverage, enabling rapid response to threats from any direction without requiring the ship to reposition—a vital advantage for high-speed platforms like the NGMVs operating in contested waters.
The MFR, showcased aboard an NGMV model at Aero India 2025, further amplifies this synergy. This radar provides real-time tracking and fire control, ensuring the VL-SRSAM can engage targets with precision. Together, they form a robust multi-layered air defense shield, aligning with the Navy’s vision of a networked, future-ready fleet.
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