Indian Missile Program Updates

DRDO tests Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: VLSRSAM

Why in the News?

The DRDO has successfully tested the Vertically- Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the Indian Navy.

About VLSRSAM

  • The VLSRSAM is a ship-borne surface-to-air missile designed to counter various aerial threats, particularly at short ranges.
  • The missile is intended for neutralizing airborne threats at close ranges, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other incoming missiles, which are critical for naval defence operations.
  • The VLSRSAM weighs around 170 kg and is powered by a solid propellant.
  • The missile can reach a maximum speed of Mach 4.5.
  • The missile can reach altitudes of 16 km and has a range sufficient to engage high-speed targets.
  • Guidance System:
    • Mid-course phase: The missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system, ensuring stable flight towards the target.
    • Terminal phase: It switches to active radar homing for precise target acquisition and guidance, ensuring that it can engage targets with high accuracy even at low altitudes.

Strategic Significance

  • With advanced guidance systems, the VLSRSAM demonstrates agility and precision in targeting, ensuring it is highly effective even against fast-moving, low-flying aerial threats.
  • The missile has been tested for reliability and accuracy, successfully engaging targets at close range and low altitudes.
  • It is seen as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing its air defence capabilities, particularly in protecting high-value assets in the maritime domain.
[UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news ?

(a) An Israeli radar system

(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

(c) An American anti-missile system

(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

 

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥Mentorship March Batch Launch
💥💥Mentorship March Batch Launch