PTI

Balasore (Odisha) June 24

India on Friday successfully flight tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from a ship at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha , according to an official statement.

The VL-SRSAM, an on-board weapon system, is intended to neutralize various short-range aerial threats, including skimming targets at sea, according to the statement.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Navy for the success of the mission.

“Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy and Industry for the successful flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile off Chandipur, Odisha. This success will further enhance the defense capability of the ships of the Indian Navy against airborne threats,” he tweeted.

The vehicle’s flight path as well as health parameters were monitored by senior DRDO and Navy officials using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur, the statement said.

The launch was against a high-speed aerial target mimicking an aircraft, which was successfully engaged, he said. The Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar also appreciated the Navy and DRDO for their efforts.

The development of this indigenous missile system will further enhance the defensive capabilities of the Indian Navy, he said. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary of the Department of Defense R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the teams involved in carrying out the operation.