The Indian Navy, in coordination with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has achieved a strategic milestone by successfully conducting the inaugural salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR). The test took place over the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast, utilizing a specialized naval helicopter platform.

This trial represents a pivotal evolution in India’s maritime security infrastructure. During the exercise, two missiles were fired in rapid succession from the same aircraft, marking the nation’s first-ever simultaneous launch of an advanced air-deployed anti-ship weapon system.

Preliminary data indicates the missile features a formidable strike range of more than 1,500 kilometers, significantly broadening India’s operational influence across deep-sea territories. With recorded speeds reaching Mach 10, the system is recognized as one of the fastest of its kind currently in existence.

The mission confirmed not only the effectiveness of the salvo deployment but also the missile’s precision in hitting targets at the waterline, a critical factor for effectively neutralizing hostile ships. The NASM-SR utilizes a combination of a solid propulsion booster and a long-duration sustainer engine. It integrates several indigenous high-tech components, including an advanced seeker system, a fiber-optic gyroscope-based navigation unit, and a high-bandwidth two-way data link for real-time guidance.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO and the Indian Navy for the successful operation, stating that the achievement will greatly enhance the tactical capabilities of the country’s defense sectors. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, further commended the engineering teams for their precise execution of the complex trial.