VLSRSAM is slated to become the first indigenously developed shipborne SAM system to enter service.
India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted a successful flight-test of indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on March 26, 2025. The flight-test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher against a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. An MoD press release added that the test has established the “Near-Boundary-Low Altitude capability” of VLSRSAM.
VLSRSAM is a surface launched version of DRDO’s Astra air to air missile. Astra Mk1 has a claimed maximum range of 80 – 110km depending on launch conditions while the Astra Mk2 has a larger, dual pulse propulsion section and thus increased range. While developed and named as a short range missile, VLSRSAM has been cited by the MoD to have a range of up to 80 km, which is greater than the 70km range of the Barak-8 MRSAM, the primary SAM system currently used by the Indian Navy.
The MoD press release of the latest test also stated:
“During the test, the target was completely destroyed by the missile executing the high turn rate required for engaging targets at very close range, and establishing the missile’s agility, reliability & pin-point accuracy. The test was conducted with all weapon system elements deployed in combat configuration. These elements, including missile with indigenous Radio Frequency seeker, Multi-Function Radar and Weapon Control System, have performed as per expectations.”
Initially, VLSRSAM is learnt to have faced niggles with the indigenous RF seeker common to the Astra family, leading to certain updates. The successful VLSRSAM test in September 2024 had “aimed to validate multiple updated elements of the weapon system, including the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.”
In addition to these, a new design for the Vertical Launch Unit (VLU) was also in development aiming to overcome potential weight and exhaust issues experienced during integration and testing of the older designs, including onboard INS Rana.
The validation of the entire weapon system in combat configuration, including the Multi-Function Radar (MFR) indicates that the missile and MFR are likely close to completion of its development cycle. The MFR is a 4 panel AESA system developed by DRDO having a range of over 200km. The system has been tested onboard INS Rana.
In September 2024, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) had secured an order worth ₹850 crores (around $100 million) from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for supply of the X-band MFR. This is intended to be fitted to the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), six of which are being built by CSL for the Indian Navy. The NGMV is likely to be the first new class of vessels to be fitted with VLSRSAM.
The MoD video of the VLSRSAM test:
.@DRDO_India & @indiannavy successfully test-fired the indigenously developed #VLSRSAM from off Odisha coast. The missile destroyed a high-speed aerial target at close range & low altitude, proving its agility, reliability & pinpoint accuracy. Equipped with an indigenous RF… pic.twitter.com/gHBEnWaztK
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 26, 2025
