What happened?
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on 26 March 2025 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, launched from a land-based vertical launcher, destroyed a high-speed aerial target at close range and low altitude, demonstrating its agility and precision. The test validated the missile’s Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability. The system’s performance, including its indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System, was confirmed through flight data from range instruments. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the test, highlighting the missile’s potential as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy.
Why it matters to India
The successful VLSRSAM test significantly boosts India’s indigenous defence capabilities, enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat preparedness against aerial threats. The missile’s precision and low-altitude interception capabilities are particularly critical for maritime operations, providing enhanced protection for naval vessels. The test also underscores India’s growing self-reliance in developing advanced missile systems, reducing dependence on foreign defence technologies. Furthermore, the successful deployment of indigenous components, such as the Radio Frequency seeker and Multi-Function Radar, highlights DRDO’s technological advancements, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in defence innovation.