In News:

India recently conducted successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities through indigenously developed technologies.

What is ERASR?

The ERASR is a state-of-the-art anti-submarine rocket system designed to neutralize hostile submarines from Indian naval warships. It is specifically intended for launch from Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs) onboard Indian Navy ships.

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory.
• Production partners: Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad) and Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd. (Nagpur).

Key Features

• Twin Rocket Motor System: Enables engagement of both short- and long-range submarine targets with high accuracy and consistency.
• Electronic Time Fuze: Fully indigenously developed to ensure precise detonation near underwater threats.
• High Operational Reliability: Demonstrated through consistent warhead detonation and fuze performance.
• Launch Compatibility: Designed to be fired from frontline warships equipped with Indian-made rocket launchers.

Highlights of User Trials

• Conducted from: INS Kavaratti under simulated maritime combat conditions.
• Number of Rockets Tested: 17
• Parameters Evaluated:
  • Range performance
  • Fuze timing reliability
  • Warhead detonation effectiveness
• Outcome: All trial objectives were met; system demonstrated full battlefield readiness.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s ASW capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, a vital strategic space.
• Boosts Atmanirbharta in defence by reducing reliance on foreign imports.
• Economically efficient, as the scalable domestic production replaces high-cost foreign systems.
• Reflects DRDO’s technological maturity in delivering mission-ready, indigenous defence solutions.