DRDO & Indian Navy Conduct Maiden Salvo Launch of NASM‑SR Missile – Boosting Indigenous Anti‑Ship Capability

DRDO & Indian Navy Achieve First Salvo Launch of NASM‑SR The DRDO together with the Indian Navy successfully carried out the maiden salvo launch of the NASM‑SR from a helicopter platform over the Bay of Bengal, Odisha. Two missiles were fired in rapid succession, marking the first time an advanced air‑launched anti‑ship missile system has demonstrated a salvo capability. Key Developments Two missiles launched from the same helicopter within seconds, proving salvo‑launch feasibility. All test objectives met, with data captured via radar, electro‑optical systems and telemetry from the ITR at Chandipur. Missiles achieved water‑line hit accuracy, confirming effectiveness against surface targets. Senior scientists from DRDO , Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Development‑cum‑Production Partners witnessed the trial. Important Facts The NASM‑SR employs a solid‑propulsion booster followed by a long‑burn sustainer. Critical subsystems include a seeker, integrated avionics module, advanced navigation and guidance using a fibre‑optic gyroscope‑based INS , radio‑altimeter, high‑bandwidth two‑way data link and indigenous Jet‑vane control . The missile was developed by the Hyderabad‑based Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with DRDO labs in Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Chandipur, and is now being produced by Development‑cum‑Production Partners and Indian start‑ups. UPSC Relevance For GS‑3 (Security) aspirants, the test underscores India’s push for self‑reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign missile imports. It also illustrates the role of the Raksha Mantri , who praised the achievement, highlighting the government’s emphasis on indigenisation under the ‘Make in India’ drive. Understanding the missile development ecosystem—research labs, production partners, and testing ranges—helps answer questions on defence procurement, technology transfer and strategic autonomy. Way Forward Following the successful salvo test, the focus will shift to series production, integration with naval platforms and induction into the fleet. Further trials will validate performance under varied sea‑state conditions and against moving targets. Parallel efforts are expected to enhance the missile’s range, seeker capabilities and data‑link robustness, ensuring that the Indian Navy maintains a credible anti‑ship deterrent in the Indo‑Pacific region.