India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with the Indian Navy, has successfully carried out the first-phase test of a short-range Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR), aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime strike capability.
The trial was conducted off the Bay of Bengal coast near Odisha, with the missile launched from a naval helicopter platform. Officials said the test marked a key step in validating an air-launched anti-ship missile system.
During the exercise, two missiles were fired one after the other from the same helicopter within a very short interval. The Defence Ministry said this demonstrated the ability to launch multiple missiles and confirmed accurate engagement of targets on the sea surface.
The missile has a stated range of about 55 km and is designed to autonomously acquire and strike its target after launch. Senior DRDO scientists and senior officers from the Navy and the Indian Air Force witnessed the test.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Navy and the Air Force personnel, stating that the successful trial would further enhance the capabilities of India’s armed forces.
