India Successfully Tests Indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile from Seaking Helicopter

Bhubaneswar: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur on February 25, 2025. The missile was launched from an Indian Navy Seaking Helicopter, demonstrating its precision strike capability against maritime targets.

During the trials, the missile executed a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. A key highlight of the mission was the successful demonstration of the “Man-in-Loop” feature, allowing the pilot to select and lock onto a specific target mid-flight. The missile initially targeted a larger object before being redirected to a smaller, concealed target during its terminal phase, achieving pinpoint accuracy.

The NASM-SR is equipped with an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance and a high-bandwidth two-way datalink system that transmits live seeker images to the pilot for in-flight retargeting. It employs a Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance, and an integrated avionics module. The missile’s aerodynamic and jet vane control mechanisms, along with its solid propulsion system featuring an in-line ejectable booster and long-burn sustainer, have been developed entirely in India.

The missile system has been designed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The production process involves Development cum Production Partners, MSMEs, startups, and other industry collaborators.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, Indian Navy, and industry partners for the successful flight test, emphasizing the importance of the “Man-in-Loop” feature for in-flight retargeting capabilities. Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams involved, highlighting the missile’s role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.