What happened?
On 8 July 2025, the Indian Navy conducted successful user trials of the indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Navy, and industrial partners for this achievement, emphasising the system’s role in enhancing naval capabilities. He also highlighted increased international interest in Indian defence exports following Operation Sindoor, calling for efficient use of the defence budget to achieve strategic outcomes.
Why it matters to India
The successful testing of ERASR marks a significant step in India’s defence indigenisation and maritime security strategy. As undersea threats grow in the Indo-Pacific, ERASR boosts India’s deterrent capacity and power projection. It also supports India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by reducing reliance on imported defence systems. With rising global military expenditure, enhanced indigenous capability can position India as a key player in the global arms market while ensuring critical self-reliance in naval warfare technologies.