ODISHA, March 27: In a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on Wednesday at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
The missile, launched from a land-based vertical launcher, demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully destroying a high-speed aerial target at close range and low altitude. The test confirmed the missile’s agility, precision, reliability, and Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability.
The test involved the complete weapon system, including the indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System. All elements performed as expected, and the missile’s performance was validated through flight data captured by the range instruments at ITR Chandipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the successful test, highlighting that the missile system would greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also commended the technological advancements, reinforcing the nation’s defensive strength.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the signing of contracts worth Rs. 6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. This marks the first significant artillery procurement from the private sector and aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. These contracts are seen as a major step towards modernizing the Indian Army’s artillery regiments and will replace older artillery systems, significantly boosting the Army’s firepower.
This initiative is expected to strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing sector and contribute to employment and economic growth under the Make-in-India initiative. The MoD has now signed capital procurement contracts worth Rs. 1.40 lakh crore for the 2024-25 financial year, further underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s defence infrastructure.
