In News:

India successfully conducted a flight test of the VL-SRSAM from a defence testing range off the Odisha coast.

Overview:

• Type: Indigenous short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM)
• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Purpose: Designed for quick reaction air defence, capable of intercepting a variety of aerial threats including low-altitude sea-skimming targets.
• Users:Originally developed for the Indian Navy, with applications now extending to the Indian Air Force for safeguarding air bases.

Performance Parameters:

• Initial range: 40 km (Navy version)
• Extended range: Up to 80 km
• Maximum altitude: 16 km
• Top speed: Mach 4.5

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 3.93 meters
• Diameter: 178 mm
• Wingspan: 508 mm
• Weight: ~170 kg
• Propulsion: Solid fuel
• Guidance System:
  • Mid-course: Inertial navigation based on fibre-optic gyroscope
  • Terminal phase: Active radar homing
• Launcher Configuration: Twin quad-pack canisters integrated with weapon control systems (WCS) for multiple missile launches.

Significance:

• Enhances India's self-reliant air defence capability.
• Supports indigenous development under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Strengthens India's maritime and aerial defensive posture through versatile deployment.