DRDO and Indian Navy Achieve Major Milestone with Successful VL-SRSAM Test

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) on March 26, 2025, marking a significant advancement in India’s quest for self-reliance in naval defense technology. The test, conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, demonstrated the missile’s exceptional capabilities in neutralizing aerial threats at very close range and low altitude.

VL-SRSAM missile launch demonstrating India’s indigenous defense capabilities

Successful Test Demonstrates Advanced Capabilities

The VL-SRSAM was launched from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range, establishing the missile’s agility, reliability, and pin-point accuracy. This demonstration validated the Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability of the missile system, a crucial requirement for modern naval warfare scenarios.

The test was conducted with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration, including the missile with indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System, all of which performed as per expectations. The performance of the system was validated by flight data captured by various Range Instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.

Technical Specifications and Advanced Features

The VL-SRSAM is based on the Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile platform, modified for vertical launch capability. The missile features impressive technical specifications: weighing 170 kg with a length of 3,931 mm and diameter of 178 mm. It achieves maximum speeds of Mach 4.5 with an operational altitude capability up to 16 kilometers

During mid-course flight, the missile uses a fiber-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance mechanism, while the terminal phase employs active radar homing. The system provides 360-degree interception capability and features smokeless propulsion with thrust vector control for quick reaction time on vertical launch.

Initially designed for a strike range of 40 km, the VL-SRSAM can now attack targets up to 80 km, making it more capable than the current Barak-1 system and comparable to the 70 km range of the Barak-8 MRSAM currently used by the Indian Navy.

Advanced Indigenous Technologies Validated

The latest test validated several cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed by DRDO. The missile features a new Ku-Band AESA seeker with 164 Transmit and Receive Modules (TRM) packed in a 140mm diameter aperture. This advanced seeker, manufactured by Astra Microwave Private Limited, provides instantaneous beam steering to maintain continuous lock on targets, improving the probability of kill against aircraft and anti-ship missiles.

The VL-SRSAM comes as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS) with capability to hold multiple missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch.

Strategic Importance for Indian Navy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy, and the industry, terming the missile system as proof of India’s strong design and development capabilities in defense R&D. He emphasized that it will be an excellent force multiplier for the Indian Navy.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat stated that the missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces. The system is designed to provide point and area defense against various aerial targets including fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and sea-skimming anti-ship missiles.

Next Generation Missile Vessels Integration

The VL-SRSAM is slated to become the first indigenously developed shipborne SAM system to enter service with the Indian Navy. The Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), currently under construction by Cochin Shipyard Limited, will be the first new class of vessels to be fitted with VL-SRSAM.

Cochin Shipyard Limited signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for supply of six sets of X-band Multi-Function Radar (MFR-X) worth ₹850 crore ($100 million) on September 11, 2024. This four-face X-band AESA radar developed by DRDO will serve as the fire control radar for VL-SRSAM on the NGMV vessels.

The six NGMVs are being built under a ₹9,805 crore contract with delivery scheduled to commence from March 2027. These 89-meter-long vessels with a displacement of 1,437 tons will feature maximum speeds of 33 knots and complement of 80 personnel.

Replacing Legacy Systems

The VL-SRSAM is intended to replace the older Barak-1 surface-to-air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships. While the Barak-1 has served the Navy well, the VL-SRSAM offers superior range, accuracy, and indigenous content. The new system will also be used as a short-range air defense system for the Indian Air Force to protect air bases.

Development Timeline and Testing Program

The VL-SRSAM development program has undergone extensive testing with the March 2025 test being part of a comprehensive validation program. Previous successful tests were conducted in September 2024, which aimed to validate multiple updated elements of the weapon system, including the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.

The September 2024 tests were conducted back-to-back on consecutive days, demonstrating the system’s reliability and validating upgrades made to various missile components. These tests confirmed that the updated version of VL-SRSAM completed its trial phase and the missile is now ready for integration aboard naval ships.

Multi-Platform Applications

Beyond naval applications, the VL-SRSAM is being developed for use by the Indian Air Force to protect air bases. The system’s platform-independent configuration and state-of-the-art ECCM features make it suitable for deployment across multiple services.

The missile system can identify, track, and destroy targets at ranges up to 80 km with high kill probability. It is capable of neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets, fighter aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Manufacturing Partnership

The VL-SRSAM program involves collaboration between DRDO laboratories including Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and private sector industries. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) serves as the production partner for the missile system.

This successful test represents a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense technology, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in developing sophisticated weapon systems. The VL-SRSAM’s integration into the Indian Navy’s fleet will significantly enhance the service’s air defense capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign systems.

The achievement demonstrates India’s commitment to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative and ‘Make in India’ program in the defense sector. As the Indian Navy prepares to induct these advanced missile systems, the VL-SRSAM stands as a testament to DRDO’s technological prowess and the nation’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities.