Odisha: Successful Flight Test Of Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile To Give More Teeth To Naval Prowess

Bhubaneswar: India on Tuesday successfully flight tested Short Range Surface to Air Missile from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the launch from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. All sub-systems performed as per expectation.

The launch was conducted to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle and weapon control system, among others.

The facility will be helpful for future launches of the missile from Indian Naval Ships.

Prior to the test-fire nearly 6000 people of 8 villages in Chandipur area were temporarily relocated to safety.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and industry for the successful flight test and stated that this system will further enhance defence capability of Indian Naval Ships against aerial threats.

Secretary Department of Defence Research and Development-cum-Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the test has paved the way for integration of weapon system onboard Indian Naval Ships.