By Vikas Gupta
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenous naval anti-ship missile May 18, 2022.
The missile was launched from a Seaking helicopter at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off Odisha. The mission is declared to have achieved all of its objectives. It is the first indigenous air-launched anti-ship missile system for the Indian Navy.
According to the MoD, “The missile followed the desired sea-skimming path and hit the designated target with a high degree of accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms. satisfactorily. Sensors deployed on the test range and near the point of impact tracked the missile’s trajectory and captured all events.”
“The missile used many new technologies, including a locally developed launcher for the helicopter. The missile’s guidance system includes an advanced navigation system and integrated avionics,” the defense ministry said.
The flight test was attended by senior officers from DRDO and the Indian Navy.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and associated teams for the first development flight test. He said India has reached a high level of capability in indigenous design and development of missile systems.
Secretary of the Department of Defense R&D and Chairman of DRDO Dr. G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of the project team to successfully prove the mission objectives. He commended the Indian Navy and the Naval Flight Test Squadron for their support of the project and said the system will enhance the Indian Navy’s offensive capability.
