Recently, a significant event took place in Indian defence sector that captured national headlines. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from an Indian Naval Ship at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Delving into the Features of VL-SRSAM
The VL-SRSAM, a result of joint efforts by three facilities of the DRDO, is earmarked for deployment on Indian Naval warships. This missile is capable of neutralizing a variety of aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets. A common technique used by anti-ship missiles and certain strike aircrafts to evade radar and infrared detection, sea-skimming involves maintaining a very low altitude over the ocean surface.
Focusing on the Design Aspects of VL-SRSAM
This specific missile is tailored to engage high-speed airborne targets within a range of 40 to 50 km and at an altitude of approximately 15 km. The design of this missile is based on the Astra missile, India’s first all-weather beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile crafted by the DRDO. Beyond-Visual-Range missiles are those air-to-air missiles that can engage targets at ranges of 20 nautical miles or beyond.
An Overview of Specific Features of VL-SRSAM
This missile boasts of certain specific features that enhance its operational capabilities. It has cruciform wings – small wings arranged like a cross on the four sides which lend it a stable aerodynamic posture. The feature of thrust vectoring allows for controlling the direction of the thrust from its engine, adjusting the angular velocity and the attitude of the missile. Moreover, its canisterised system helps control the inside environment, making transport and storage easier and increasing the weapon’s shelf life.
Significance of VL-SRSAM in Naval Warfare
Naval warfare, a form of combat on major water bodies like seas, oceans, large lakes or wide rivers, demands cutting-edge defence mechanisms. A technology called ‘chaffs’ is used globally to shield naval ships from enemy radar and Radio Frequency (RF) missile seekers. To counter Anti-Ship missiles, systems with swift detection mechanism and quick response are vital.
Looking at Relevant UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the 2018 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a question was asked about “Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD)”, an American anti-missile system designed to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. Another question from the 2008 examination dealt with India’s procurement of the Barak anti-missile defence systems, a supersonic, vertically-launched short range air defence system developed by Israel.
