Video: Indian Navy Conducts Flight Trials Of First-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile

The Indian Navy along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted the flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR).

The test was carried out on February 25, 2025, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter and demonstrated its ability to accurately strike ship targets.

During the trials, the NASM-SR was launched in Bearing-Only Lock-on After Launch mode, where it initially locked onto a large target, within a predefined search zone.

However, in the final phase, the pilot redirected it toward a smaller hidden target, resulting in a direct hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile followed a sea-skimming trajectory, staying close to the water surface to avoid radar detection. It successfully validates its Man-in-Loop feature, which enables pilots to change targets in real-time during flight.

This advanced capability increases operational flexibility and ensures greater accuracy in combat scenarios.

DRDO & @indiannavy successfully tested the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from ITR Chandipur on Feb 25, 2025. Launched from a Sea King helicopter, it demonstrated Man-in-Loop control, hitting a small ship target with pinpoint accuracy. Featuring an Indigenous… pic.twitter.com/WEoxEtqdKX

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 26, 2025

The NASM-SR is built with several indigenous systems developed by DRDO. It includes:

• Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker for precise target tracking in the terminal phase
• Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) for accurate mid-course guidance
• Radio Altimeter to maintain the correct altitude during flight
• Electro-Mechanical Actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control
• High-bandwidth, two-way datalink system, which allows the pilot to receive real-time images from the missile’s seeker for mid-flight retargeting.
• Solid propulsion system with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer, ensuring effective range and endurance.

The missile’s warhead consists of thermal batteries and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) warhead, ensuring maximum impact on target.

The NASM-SR has been developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including:

• Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
• Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
• High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
• Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)

The missil is currently in production through Development cum Production Partners, including MSMEs, start-ups, and other defense industry partners.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners for the successful missile test. He discussed the importance of the Man-in-Loop feature, which allows real-time retargeting, making the NASM-SR a valuable addition to India’s naval defense capabilities.

Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, also praised the efforts of the DRDO team, Indian Navy, and industry partners, emphasising that the successful test is a milestone in India’s defence innovation.

Reference: PIB

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