The VL-SRSAM, seen here from the Aero India 2023 show, is a next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air-defence weapon for integration onto Indian Navy warships as a quick-reaction point defence against supersonic sea-skimming targets like aircraft and UAVs. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)
India's state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) displayed its vertical-launch short-range surface-to-air missile (VL-SRSAM) at the Aero India 2023 show being held in Bangalore from 13 to 17 February.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), VL-SRSAM is a next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air-defence weapon for integration onto Indian Navy warships as a quick-reaction point defence against supersonic sea-skimming targets like aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The missile has a smokeless propulsion system and is equipped with electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) features. A BDL official told Janes that the missile can strike targets within a range of 50 km at a maximum elevation of 15 km.
BDL said that the missile has a length of 3,931 mm, a diameter of 178 mm, and a weight of 170 kg. According to Janes Weapons: Naval , the VL-SRSAM is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is estimated to replace the Barak 1 anti-air missile in the future.
The missile is fitted with a radio frequency (RF) seeker and has an inertial navigation system (INS) with a fibre-optic gyroscope for mid-course guidance in conjunction with an RF seeker for terminal guidance.
The VL-SRSAM is designed with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings for stability and is likely powered by singleāpulse rocket motor solid propellant. The missile is estimated to be fitted with a high-explosive (HE) preāformed fragmentation warhead, which is detonated by an active radar proximity fuze.
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