VL-SRSAM

For the air-to-air variant of the missile, see Astra (missile).

VL-SRSAM
VL-SRSAM being tested from vertical launch system by DRDO.
Type	Surface-to-air missile
Place of origin	India
Service history
In service	2022 (2022)
Used by	Indian Navy
Production history
Designer	Defence Research and Development Organisation
Manufacturer	Bharat Dynamics Limited
Specifications
Mass	170 kg (370 lb)
Length	3.93 m (12.9 ft)
Diameter	178 mm (7.0 in)
Wingspan	508 mm (20.0 in)
Warhead	High-explosive pre-fragmented HMX/PU[1]
Detonation mechanism	Radio proximity fuze
Engine	Solid-propellant rocket
Propellant	Solid fuel
Operational range	80 km[2]
Flight altitude	16 km (52,000 ft)[3]
Maximum speed	Mach 4.5[4]
Guidance system	Mid-course: Fibre-optic gyro based inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink. Terminal: Active radar homing
Launch platform	Surface Ship

The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).^[5] During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships.^[6] It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.^[7]

Design

VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. It also includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.^[8] VL-SRSAM conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles.^[9] As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions. Although plan was to develop short range air defence missile, VL-SRSAM achieved a range of 50 km making it a medium range air defence system. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.^[10][11]

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and some private sector industries were involved in the design and development of the missile system as part of Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP).^[6][12] VL-SRSAM superseded the cancelled Maitri missile project undertaken jointly by MBDA and DRDO based on the work done on MICA and Trishul.^[13]

Testing

• 22 February 2021: Maiden test firing of VL-SRSAM. DRDO successfully test fired two VL-SRSAM at Odisha coast. The launch tested the efficacy of vertical launch system and missile's maximum and minimum range. Both the missile successfully intercepted their target with pin point accuracy.^[14]
• 7 December 2021: VL-SRSAM was successfully tested by DRDO from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. The launch was conducted to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle, weapon control system etc.^[15]

  First shipborne test of VLSRSAM

• 24 June 2022: DRDO announced that India has successfully test-fired the VL-SRSAM from an Indian Naval Ship off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha. The launch of the system was conducted against a high-speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.^[16]
• 23 August 2022: DRDO and Indian Navy successfully flight tested VL-SRSAM from the ITR, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on. The flight test was carried out from an Indian Naval Ship against a high-speed unmanned aerial target for demonstration of vertical launch capability. The missiles, equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, intercepted the target with high accuracy.^[17]
• 2023: DRDO test fired VL-SRSAM from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur as per a press release.^[18]

Operators

 India

• Indian Navy
  • INS Rana (D52)

See also

• Trishul
• Maitri
• Project Kusha
• Barak 8
• Akash-NG
• Akash
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)
• QRSAM

References

1. Aroor, Shiv. "How India's ASTRA Air-To-Air Missile Is Quietly Killing It". Livefist Defence. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
2. "Ministry Of Defence - Year end review 2023". pib.gov.in. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
3. "VL-SRSAM missile system successfully test-fired". The Indian Express. 25 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
4. Bhardwaj, Tarun (17 September 2019). "Deadly weapon! IAF successfully test-fires air-to-air missile Astra from Sukhoi-30 combat aircrafts [sic]". Financial Express. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
5. Rout, Hemant K. "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
6. "DRDO conducts first launch of the VL-SRSAM". The Week. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
7. "DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM twice | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. PTI. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
8. Kulkarni, Sushant (11 December 2021). "Explained: What is the vertical launch surface to air missile that India has successfully test-fired?". The Indian Express. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
9. "Navy's Surface-To-Air Missile Test-Fired, Can Hit Sea-Skimming Targets". NDTV.com. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
10. "DRDO successfully launches Surface to Air Missile capable of neutralising aerial threats". Zee News. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
11. Rout, Hemant Kumar (22 February 2021). "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
12. "DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector". The Times of India. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
13. Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 February 2021). "DRDO conducts successful flight test of VL-SRSAM". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
14. "Successful Launches of VL-SRSAM Missile System" (Press release). PIB. 22 February 2021.
15. "Successful Flight Test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile" (Press release). PIB. 7 December 2021.
16. "India successfully test-fires VL-SRSAM from Indian Naval Ship off Odisha coast: DRDO" (Press release). Times Now. 24 June 2022.
17. "DRDO & Indian Navy successfully flight-test Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile off Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
18. "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023". Press Information Bureau. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.