Earlier in the day, senior officials from the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight tested a Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM ). The test was carried out from an Indian Navy vessel off Chandipur in Odisha, news agency ANI reported.

The launch of the system was carried out against a high-speed air target imitating an aircraft, which was successfully engaged. The vehicle’s flight path as well as health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur.

A DRDO official told the news agency: “The vertically launched short-range surface-to-air missile was successfully flight tested today by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy.The launch was carried out from an Indian Navy vessel, off Chandipur, Odisha.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh shared some photos of the flight test and wrote, “Congratulations to DRDO, Indian Navy and Industry for the successful flight test of the Vertical Launch Surface-to-Air Missile at short range off Chandipur, Odisha. This success will further enhance the defense capability of Indian Navy ships against airborne threats.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, said the development of this indigenous missile system will enhance the defensive capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Defense Ministry R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the test proved the integration of the indigenous weapon system aboard Indian Navy ships, while adding that the VL-SRSAM would prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy. Dr G Satheesh Reddy also hailed the missile system as another milestone towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

The VL-SRSAM is an on-board weapon system and is intended to neutralize close-range aerial threats, including skimming targets.