SOURCE: AFI
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recently clarified a significant discrepancy regarding the range capabilities of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). Contrary to earlier claims by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of a range between 30-40 km, the committee’s report confirms that the missile’s actual strike range extends up to 80 km.
Developed specifically for the Indian Navy, the VLSRSAM is designed to counter various aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including challenging low-altitude sea-skimming targets. This missile system leverages vertical launch technology, providing a swift and effective response capability to naval threats.
The VLSRSAM underwent a notable flight test on August 23, 2022, at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. During this test, the missile was launched against a high-speed unmanned aerial target, successfully demonstrating its vertical launch capabilities. This test not only showcased the missile’s technical prowess but also its readiness for integration into naval defense systems.
The revelation of the missile’s extended range is a critical development for the Indian Navy, enhancing its air defense capabilities significantly. The ability to engage threats at longer distances means better protection for naval assets and potentially a strategic advantage in maritime operations.
This clarification by the parliamentary committee underscores the importance of transparency in defense projects. It also raises questions about the initial underrepresentation of the missile’s capabilities, which could have implications for strategic planning, budget allocations, and international perceptions of Indian defense technology.