New Delhi: DRDO SMART anti-submarine weapon has entered its final stage of development, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) preparing for the last round of developmental trials. If these tests are successful, the advanced long-range anti-submarine system is expected to move into Indian Navy user evaluations before its planned induction around 2031.
The SMART system is one of India’s most advanced indigenous naval weapons. It combines a supersonic missile with a lightweight torpedo, allowing the Indian Navy to engage enemy submarines from hundreds of kilometres away.
Details of DRDO SMART Anti-Submarine Weapon
According to reports, DRDO is nearing the final developmental testing phase of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system. These upcoming trials will verify whether the weapon meets all operational requirements before moving into user evaluation by the Indian Navy. After successful user trials, the system can enter production.
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What is the SMART Anti-Submarine Weapon
SMART is a canister-launched, long-range anti-submarine weapon developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy. Instead of firing a torpedo directly from a ship, SMART launches a supersonic missile that carries a lightweight torpedo close to the target area. The missile then releases the torpedo into the sea, where it independently searches for and attacks enemy submarines.
How the SMART System Works
The weapon operates in two stages.
Stage 1: Supersonic Missile Flight
The missile is launched from a mobile ground launcher or a naval platform. It travels toward the target area at very high speed using a two-stage solid rocket motor and precision navigation.
Stage 2: Torpedo Deployment
Near the target, the missile releases a lightweight torpedo using a parachute system. Once it enters the water, the torpedo activates its acoustic seeker, detects the submarine, and attacks it.
Long-Range Strike Capability
Traditional ship-launched torpedoes have a limited operational range.
SMART significantly extends this reach by delivering the torpedo over long distances—reported to be up to 643 km (400 miles). This allows Indian naval forces to remain well outside the danger zone while engaging hostile submarines.
DRDO SMART Anti-Submarine Weapon: Previous Flight Tests
DRDO has already demonstrated the SMART system through multiple successful developmental trials. One major flight test was conducted on 1 May 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. During the trial, the system successfully validated critical technologies, including missile flight, stage separation, navigation, canister launch and torpedo deployment.
What Will the Final Trials Test
The final developmental trials are expected to evaluate:
- Missile flight stability
- Precision navigation
- Torpedo release mechanism
- Water entry performance
- Acoustic seeker operation
- Successful engagement of simulated submarine targets
Successful completion would allow the Indian Navy to begin operational user trials before final approval.
What is the Importance of DRDO SMART Anti-Submarine Weapon
The SMART system will greatly strengthen India’s anti-submarine warfare capability. Its long stand-off range will help the Indian Navy monitor and counter modern diesel-electric and nuclear submarines operating in the Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The indigenous weapon also supports India’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in advanced defence technology under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Expected Induction Timeline
If the remaining developmental and user trials are completed successfully, the SMART weapon system is expected to enter service with the Indian Navy around 2031. The induction will provide India with one of the world’s few operational long-range missile-assisted torpedo systems, significantly improving maritime security and underwater defence capabilities.
