On March 26, 2025, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted the successful flight test of the indigenously developed Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha at about 1200 hrs. The flight test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. It has established the Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability of the missile system.
During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range and establishing the missile’s agility, reliability & pinpoint accuracy. The test was conducted with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration. These elements, including missiles with indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar and Weapon Control System, have performed as per expectations. The performance of the system was validated by the flight data captured by various Range Instruments developed by ITR Chandipur.
Congratulating DRDO, Indian Navy and the industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh termed the missile system as proof of India’s strong design and development capabilities in defence R&D. It will be an excellent force multiplier for the Indian Navy, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V. Kamat also congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and associated teams on this successful flight test and stated that the missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give a further technological boost to the Armed Forces.
What is VLSRSAM?
The Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) is an advanced air defence system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. Designed to enhance the close-in defense capabilities of naval warships, it targets high-speed aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and missiles at short ranges and low altitudes.
The VLSRSAM features a vertical launch configuration, allowing for rapid deployment and 360-degree coverage without the need to reposition the launcher. It incorporates an active radar seeker, derived from the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, which enables precise tracking and engagement of targets. With a reported range of approximately 50 kilometers, it serves as a cost-effective and indigenous alternative to systems like the Barak-1, while complementing longer-range options like the Barak-8 LRSAM.
