NASM-SR
Seaking test launching NASAM-SR
TypeNaval anti-ship missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In serviceUnder development
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
Specifications
Mass380 kg (840 lb)[1]
Length3.6 m (12 ft)
Diameter300 mm (12 in)
WarheadMulti-EFP[2]
Warhead weight100 kg (220 lb)
Detonation
mechanism
Radio proximity fuze
EngineSolid-propellant rocket
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
5–55 km (3.1–34.2 mi)
Flight altitude91m to 3km
Maximum speed Mach 0.8
Guidance
system
Mid-course: INS + altimeter with satellite guidance and two-way datalink
Terminal: Imaging infrared
Launch
platform
Westland Sea King,[3] MH-60R,HAL Dhruv

NASM–SR or Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range is a helicopter launched anti-ship missile being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the Indian Navy. It is the first indigenous air launched anti-ship cruise missile developed for the Indian Navy.[4]

Development

Since 1980s, the Indian Navy has been using Sea Eagle anti-ship missile on its Westland Sea King Mk.42B multipurpose helicopter. The NASM-SR is intended as a replacement for the Sea Eagle missile which restricted flight range and increased take-off weight. The development of NASM-SR was made public for the first time in 2018 by the then Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman. Fund of ₹434.06 crore for the development was also allocated in the same year.[4] The design and specifications of the new missile was revealed at the DefExpo 2020. The specification showed Mach 0.8 capable air launched anti-ship missile with a range of 55 km. The missile has an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker immune to jamming, state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics.[4]

The NASM-SR can be easily adapted to launch from ships and land-based vehicles. DRDO is speculated to be developing a long range version of it for attacking land targets.[4] As the Sea King Helicopters are being phased out, the NASM-SR will be equipped on Indian Navy's newly acquired MH-60R naval helicopters.[5]

Testing

Guided Flight Trial of NASM-SR from Sea King Mk.42B.
Maiden flight test of NASM-SR

Indian Navy successfully carried out the first test of the missile from a Sea King Mk.42B helicopter on 18 May 2022.[6] On maiden test firing, NASM-SR demonstrated its sea skimming capability and approaches the target at 5m above the sea level.[7] The maiden test was successful, and the missile is said to have reached the designated target with high degree of accuracy. It validated the control, guidance and mission algorithms.[8]

DRDO conducted second successful trial of NASM-SR on 21 November 2023 in collaboration with Indian Navy.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Udoshi, Rahul (19 May 2022). "India's naval anti-ship missile completes maiden flight test". Janes.com. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  2. ^ Singh, Dr. Manjit. "Ammunition Systems and Warhead Technologies" (PDF). Technology Focus. Defence Research and Development Organisation. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM)". Global Security.
  4. ^ a b c d Paul George, Justin (18 May 2022). "Smaller, slower than BrahMos, but deadly: Why desi anti-ship missile matters". The Week. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Explained: Why the anti-ship missile tested by the Navy matters". The Indian Express. 21 May 2022. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  6. ^ "India tests indigenous anti-ship missile in a boost to self-reliance". Hindustan Times. 19 May 2022. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  7. ^ Singh, Mayank (19 May 2022). "Air-launched anti-ship missile successfully tested". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  8. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (18 May 2022). "India successfully test-fires naval anti-ship missile". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Indian Navy tests first indigenously developed 'anti-ship missile' | Watch". Hindustan Times. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.

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