Innovative Missile Trials by Indian Navy and DRDO

The trials demonstrated the missile’s ability against ship targets while launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conducted successful flight-trials of a first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR). These trials took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur on February 25, 2025. The trials demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets while launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter.

The trials have proven the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature. They scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode. This occurred at its greatest range. The missile uses an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance. The mission also has demonstrated the high bandwidth two way datalink system. This system transmits the seeker live images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting.

The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on mode after launch. There were several targets in close vicinity, allowing for the choice of one among them. The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search. During the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target. This resulted in the target being hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile uses an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for its Mid-course guidance. It incorporates an Integrated avionics module and Electro-Mechanical actuators for Aerodynamic and Jet vane control. The missile also includes thermal batteries and a PCB warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives.

The missile is developed by different labs of DRDO including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and

Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. Development cum Production Partners are currently producing the missiles. They are assisted by MSMEs, start-ups, and other production partners.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and the industries for the successful flight tests. The tests for Man-in-Loop features is unique as it gives the ability of in flight retargeting, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire DRDO team. He also thanked the users and the industry partners.