DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test Vertical Launch Missile Off Odisha Coast

The Defence Research & Development Organisation and the Indian Navy successfully conducted a flight test of a vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missile off the coast of Odisha. The test took place at Chandipur and aimed to validate the missile system's updated features. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the teams for their achievement.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy on Thursday successfully flight tested a vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missile from Chandipur, off Odisha's coast, official sources confirmed.

Conducted at around 3 pm from the integrated test range in Chandipur, the trial focused on a high-speed aerial target flying at a low altitude. The missile system successfully tracked and engaged the target, officials reported.

Aimed at validating multiple updated elements of the weapon system, the performance was meticulously tracked and confirmed through various instruments including telemetry deployed at ITR Chandipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, emphasizing the reliability and effectiveness of the VL-SRSAM weapon system. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat noted the enhancement of the Indian Navy's operational capabilities.

Before the test, approximately 3,100 residents within a 2.5-kilometre radius of the launch pad were relocated to temporary shelters as a precaution, the Balasore district administration disclosed. These residents are expected to be moved again to temporary camps on Friday, ensuring safety in consultation with the ITR authority at Chandipur.

(With inputs from agencies.)