DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile

April 30, 2026

A significant increase in Indigenous Defence.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy has managed to test the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR).The trial was carried out on a naval helicopter at Odisha coast. It is a big step towards enhancing the indigenous capability of India in missiles.

Its First Salvo Launch.

This was the first salvo launch by India of an air-launched anti-ship missile.

Two missiles were launched one right after the other.
Both the missiles reached their target successfully.
There was fast strike ability in the system.

The test was followed by using modern systems in the Integrated Test Range Chandipur.

One of the most important aspects was the waterline hit capability, which guarantees as much destruction to the enemy ships as possible.

State-of-the-Art Technology in NASM-SR.

The missile is a state of the art and entirely indigenous.

Key features include:

Long-burn sustainer and solid propulsion booster.
Gyroscope navigational system using fibre-optics.
Precise target tracking seeker.
State-of-the-art guidance and control system.
Two-way communication data link.
Radio altimeter to target properly.

Such characteristics provide accuracy, dependability and high capabilities when in rough sea conditions.

Collaborative Indigenous Development

Research Centre Imarat developed the missile with the assistance of other DRDO labs:

Defence Research and Development Laboratory.
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory.
Integrated Test Range

Indian industries and start ups were also involved under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model. This is in favour of the Make in India defence initiative.

What is an Anti-Ship Missile?

Anti-ship missile is meant to destroy enemy vessels in the sea.

It is able to identify and monitor targets.
It has the ability to hit over a long distance.
It is capable of being launched using ships, submarines, aircraft, or helicopters.

These missiles are an important part of a modern naval war.

The importance of this Test.

This successful test enhances the naval strength of India. It enhances the power of strike and the reliance on imports.It also demonstrates the improvement in native defence technology and self-sufficiency.