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-spanlong-chordcruciform 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 skimminganti-ship missiles.[9] With its 360° interception capability, as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS), it can identify and neutralize threats coming from all directions. Even though a short-range air defense missile was the original goal, the VL-SRSAM is a medium-range air defense system. Its attack range of 40 km has been increased to 80 km. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.[10][11][12]
In 2024, DRDO developed an IAF-specific 8×2 truck-mounted variant. It has been developed for defending frontline airbases in conjunction with Akash system.[16][17]
Testing
22 February 2021: Maiden test firing of VL-SRSAM. DRDO successfully test fired two VL-SRSAM at Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. 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.[18]
7 December 2021:VL-SRSAM was successfully tested by DRDO from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. 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.[19]First shipborne test of VLSRSAM
24 June 2022: DRDO announced that India has successfully test-fired the VL-SRSAM from an Indian Naval Ship Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The launch of the system was conducted against a high-speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.[20]
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.[21]
2023: DRDO test fired VL-SRSAM from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on an unknown date as per a press release.[22]
12 September 2024: DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully carried out the VL-SRSAM user associate trial from ITR, Chandipur. The test was conducted against a low-altitude, high-speed aerial target from a land-based vertical launcher. The target was successfully tracked and engaged. The purpose of this test was to verify several improved components, including Seeker and Proximity Fuse.[23][12]
13 September 2024: The Indian Navy and DRDO conducted a successful follow-up VL-SRSAM user associate trial against a high-speed sea-skimming aerial target.[24][25][26]
