On March 26, 2025, the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM), a domestically designed weapon.
The exam was conducted at midday at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. Launched from a land-based vertical launcher, the missile demonstrated its Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability by aiming at a high-speed airborne threat at low altitude and extremely close range.
Through high-turn-rate manoeuvres necessary for close-range encounters, it utterly destroyed the target, demonstrating remarkable agility, dependability, and precise accuracy.
All components of the weapon system, including the missile’s in-house Multi-Function Radar, Weapon Control System, and Radio Frequency Seeker, were deployed in battle mode for the test.
These components performed as expected, and the system’s performance was validated using flight data captured by advanced range instruments at ITR Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners for their achievement, emphasising the missile’s role as a force multiplier for the Navy and a testament to India’s strong defence R&D capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat highlighted the technological boost this system provides to India’s armed forces.
This successful test marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthens its operational readiness to counter evolving aerial threats.
