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VL-SRSAM
VL-SRSAM being tested from vertical launch system (cropped)
VL-SRSAM being tested from vertical launch system by DRDO.
Type Surface-to-air missile
Place of origin India
Service history
In service 2022 (2022) (planned)
Used by Indian Navy
Production history
Designer Defence Research and Development Organisation
Manufacturer Bharat Dynamics Limited
Specifications
Mass 154 kg (340 lb)
Length 3.84 m (12.6 ft)
Diameter 178 mm (7.0 in)
Warhead High-explosive pre-fragmented HMX/PU[1]
Detonation
mechanism
Radio proximity fuze

Engine Solid-propellant rocket
Propellant Solid fuel
Operational
range
25 km (16 mi) - 30 km (19 mi)[2]
Flight altitude 12 km (7.5 mi)[3]
Maximum speed Mach 4.5[4]
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Fibre-optic gyro based inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink.
Terminal: Active radar homing
Launch
platform
Surface Ship

The Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[5] During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships.[6] It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.[7]

Design[]

VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. It also includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.[8] VL-SRSAM conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles.[9] As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions. Although plan was to develop short range air defence missile, VL-SRSAM achieved a range of 60 km making it a medium range air defence system. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.[10][11]

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and some private sector industries were involved in the design and development of the missile system as part of Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP).[12][13] VL-SRSAM superseded the cancelled Maitri missile project undertaken jointly by MBDA and DRDO based on the work done on MICA and Trishul.[14]

Testing[]

First test

DRDO successfully test fired two VL-SRSAM on 22 February 2021 at Odisha coast. The maiden launch tested the efficacy of vertical launch system and missile's maximum and minimum range. Both the missile successfully intercepted their target with pin point accuracy.[15]

Second test

VL-SRSAM was successfully tested by DRDO from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on 7 December 2021. The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. The launch was conducted to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle, weapon control system etc.[16]

Manufacture[]

DRDO has planned to offload the manufacture of the missile to a private sector company. Making it one of the first mainline weapon platform to be produced by a private industry under the aegis of Atmanirbhar Bharat.[17]

Gallery[]

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Future Operators[]

Flag of India India

See also[]

References[]

  1. Aroor, Shiv. "How India's ASTRA Air-To-Air Missile Is Quietly Killing It". https://www.livefistdefence.com/2018/03/how-indias-astra-air-to-air-missile-is-quietly-killing-it.html. 
  2. "New 'Made-In-India' Missile Successfully Tested, To Strengthen Navy". NDTV. 7 December 2021. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/new-made-in-india-missile-successfully-tested-to-strengthen-navy-2641271. 
  3. "India has successfully test-fired VL-SRSAM from coast of Odisha: DRDO". Mint. 7 December 2021. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-has-successfully-test-fired-vl-srsam-from-coast-of-odisha-drdo-11638877414396.html. 
  4. Bhardwaj, Tarun (17 September 2019). "Deadly weapon! IAF successfully test-fires air-to-air missile Astra from Sukhoi-30 combat aircrafts [sic"]. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/deadly-weapon-iaf-successfully-test-fires-air-to-air-missile-astra-from-sukhoi-30-combat-aircrafts/1708799/. 
  5. Rout, Hemant K. "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". The New Indian Express. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/feb/22/maiden-test-of-vertically-launched-srsam-from-itr-off-odisha-coast-likely-today-2267271.html. 
  6. "DRDO conducts first launch of the VL-SRSAM" (in en). https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/22/drdo-conducts-first-launch-of-vl-srsam.html. 
  7. "DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM twice | India News - Times of India" (in en). Feb 22, 2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-successfully-launches-vl-srsam-twice/articleshow/81157352.cms. 
  8. Kulkarni, Sushant (2021-12-11). "Explained: What is the vertical launch surface to air missile that India has successfully test-fired?" (in en). https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-vertical-launch-short-range-surface-to-air-missile-7667344/. 
  9. "Navy's Surface-To-Air Missile Test-Fired, Can Hit Sea-Skimming Targets". https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navys-vertical-launch-short-range-surface-to-air-missile-test-fired-can-hit-sea-skimming-targets-2376308. 
  10. "DRDO successfully launches Surface to Air Missile capable of neutralising aerial threats" (in en). 2021-02-22. https://zeenews.india.com/india/drdo-successfully-launches-surface-to-air-missile-vl-srsam-missile-system-capable-of-neutralizing-aerial-threats-2343701.html. 
  11. Rout, Hemant Kumar (22 February 2021). "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/feb/22/maiden-test-of-vertically-launched-srsam-from-itr-off-odisha-coast-likely-today-2267271.html. 
  12. "DRDO conducts first launch of the VL-SRSAM" (in en). https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/22/drdo-conducts-first-launch-of-vl-srsam.html. 
  13. "DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector" (in en). 6 April 2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-opens-up-missile-production-partnership-for-indian-private-sector/articleshow/81928553.cms. 
  14. Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 February 2021). "DRDO conducts successful flight test of VL-SRSAM". https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/feb/23/drdo-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-vl-srsam-2267748.html. 
  15. "Successful Launches of VL-SRSAM Missile System". PIB. 22 February 2021. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700039. 
  16. "Successful Flight Test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile". PIB. 7 December 2021. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1778966. 
  17. Negi, Manjeet (2021-04-06). "Private firms allowed to partner up with DRDO in missile development, production". India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/private-firms-allowed-to-partner-up-with-drdo-in-missile-development-production-1787785-2021-04-06. 
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