Article Posted on : - May 18, 2022

Maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed naval anti-ship missile from a naval helicopter being conducted from ITR, Chandipur off the Odisha coast on May 18, 2022. Photo: PIB

NEW DELHI (PIB/MoD): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy Wednesday successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of an indigenously-developed Naval anti-ship missile which was launched from a Naval helicopter from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The mission met all its objectives. It is the first indigenous air launched anti-ship missile system developed for the Indian Navy, the statement said.

The missile followed the desired sea-skimming trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree of accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms, it said.

Stating that all sub-systems performed satisfactorily, it said that sensors deployed across the test range and near impact point tracked the missile trajectory and captured all events.

The missile employed many new technologies, including an indigenously developed launcher for the helicopter. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics, the statement read.

The flight test was witnessed by senior officers of DRDO and the Indian Navy, it added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and associated teams for the maiden developmental flight test. He said, India has attained a high level of capability in indigenous design and development of missile systems.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman, DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of the project team. He complimented the Indian Navy and Naval Flight Test Squadron for their support to the project and said that the system will strengthen offensive capability of Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy has been steadily enhancing its overall combat capability to effectively protect India's maritime security interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.