India Successfully Conducts Surface-to-Air Missile Test Off Odisha Coast

India successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on Wednesday from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, according to defence sources. The test launch was carried out by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy.

Launched from a land-based vertical launcher, the missile targeted a high-speed aerial threat at close range and low altitude, successfully showcasing its Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability. | India Today

The missile was launched from a land-based vertical launcher, targeting a high-speed aerial threat at a very close range and low altitude. The successful test confirmed the missile system’s Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability.

"During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range, and establishing the missile's agility, reliability & pin-point accuracy," a defense statement mentioned that the test was carried out with all weapon system components deployed in a combat-ready configuration.

These components, including the missile with an indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System, performed as expected.

The system's performance was validated through flight data collected by various Range Instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industry, describing the missile system as a testament to India’s robust design and development capabilities in defense R&D.

He further emphasized that the missile system will be a powerful force multiplier for the Indian Navy.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, also congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the involved teams on this successful flight test.

Kamat, who is also the DRDO Chairman, stated that the missile, equipped with advanced technologies, will provide a significant technological boost to the Armed Forces.

As a safety measure before the test launch, the district administration of Balasore evacuated residents from six villages within a 2.5 km radius of the ITR Chandipur Launch Pad-III to three nearby shelter centers.

Approximately 3,200 people were temporarily relocated and compensated by the district administration according to government guidelines, according to a revenue official.

Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal near the Chandipur test range were also advised not to venture into the sea during the launch.

(This Article was originally published by MSN)