New Delhi, Dec 7 : Navy’s surface to air missile- the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight tested Today  by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude, an official statement said.

“The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. All sub-systems performed as per expectation,” the statement said.

“Today’s launch of the system 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. required for future launches of the missile from Indian Naval Ships,” it said.

Once deployed, the VL-SRSAM system will prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy.

The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO & Indian Navy. The first trial was conducted on 22 February 2021 and this is a confirmatory trial to prove the consistent performance of the configuration and integrated operation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and industry for the successful flight test and stated that this system will further enhance defence capability of Indian Naval Ships against aerial threats.

Secretary Department of Defence Research & Development & Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy complemented the teams and said that this has paved the way for integration of weapon system onboard Indian Naval Ships.(UNI)