New Delhi: The Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) programme is moving towards another important stage as India works to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this indigenous missile system is designed to protect Indian warships from low-flying missiles, aircraft and drones.
According to a recent reported, the programme has completed developmental trials of its Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and is progressing towards User Evaluation Trials (UET). The development could bring India closer to deploying an advanced, locally developed air defence system on its warships.
What is VL-SRSAM Missile Programme
The VL-SRSAM is an important part of India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and improve the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy.
The missile has been developed by DRDO to engage aerial threats at short ranges. Its main role is to provide an additional layer of protection when hostile missiles or aircraft approach naval vessels.
The reported completion of developmental trials of the Multi-Function Radar marks an important step in the programme. User Evaluation Trials are intended to help establish whether a system meets the operational requirements of the armed forces. However, the reported progress towards UET should not be confused with formal acceptance or induction into service. The final timeline will depend on the remaining evaluation, approvals and other programme requirements.
Why Sea-Skimming Missiles Are A Serious Threat
Sea-skimming missiles fly at very low altitudes, close to the surface of the sea. This flight profile can make them difficult to detect early because the Earth’s curvature and radar clutter can limit the distance at which a ship’s radar can see them. A warship may have only a short period to detect, track and intercept such a missile before it reaches its target.
Modern naval forces therefore need air defence systems that can react quickly, track low-flying threats and engage them before they strike the ship. The VL-SRSAM is designed to address this challenge by providing close-range protection against suitable aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets.
How The VL-SRSAM Missile Programme System Works
The VL-SRSAM is designed for launch from a vertical launcher installed on a naval platform. Unlike a traditional launcher that must be pointed towards a target before firing, a vertical launch system fires the missile upwards before it turns towards the incoming threat. This arrangement can help a warship respond to threats approaching from different directions without first rotating a mechanical launcher.
The system combines the missile, radar and weapon-control equipment to support the detection, tracking and engagement process. Its overall effectiveness depends on the successful coordination of these components, as well as the missile’s ability to manoeuvre and intercept a target under the required conditions.
Multi-Function Radar Plays A Key Role In Air Defence
The Multi-Function Radar is an important part of the VL-SRSAM weapon system. It helps detect and track aerial targets and provides information needed for the weapon-control system to respond to incoming threats.
The system also includes a Weapon Control System (WCS), which supports the engagement process, and an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker designed to guide the missile towards its target during the relevant phase of flight.
In an official announcement dated March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile, its indigenous RF seeker, Multi-Function Radar and Weapon Control System performed as expected during a successful flight test. This demonstrated the importance of integrating the missile with its supporting radar and control equipment rather than evaluating the missile alone.
DRDO And Indian Navy Have Already Demonstrated Important Capabilities
India has made important progress in testing the VL-SRSAM system in recent years. On September 12, 2024, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the missile against a high-speed aerial target flying at low altitude. The test helped validate updated components, including the proximity fuse and seeker.
Another important test took place on March 26, 2025, at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile destroyed a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude. The test also demonstrated the system’s ability to perform the high-rate turns required to engage targets at close range.
These successful tests provide evidence of progress in the programme. However, further evaluation and formal acceptance remain important before the system can be considered fully operational.
VL-SRSAM Missile Programme Strengthens India’s Defence Self-Reliance
The VL-SRSAM programme supports India’s wider goal of developing advanced defence equipment within the country. Indigenous development can help reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthen domestic research capabilities and give Indian industries opportunities to participate in defence manufacturing.
It can also provide greater control over future upgrades, maintenance and the development of supporting technologies. For the Indian Navy, the development of homegrown air defence systems is particularly important as naval operations increasingly require protection against a variety of fast-moving aerial threats.
The exact benefits will depend on the system’s final capabilities, operational integration and successful completion of the required evaluation process.
What Happens Next In The VL-SRSAM Missile Programme
The next important steps include completing the required development and user evaluation activities, addressing any technical issues identified during testing and securing the necessary approvals.
The Ministry of Defence’s January 2026 announcement on DRDO’s achievements confirmed that VL-SRSAM remained among the systems at different stages of developmental trials.
The specific schedule for the next trials, final acceptance and operational induction should be confirmed through official announcements from DRDO or the Ministry of Defence. Once accepted and inducted, the system is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to defend its warships against suitable aerial threats at close ranges.
Read also: Why These Three Countries Chose India’s Akash Missile System For Air Defence
FAQs
The main purpose of the VL-SRSAM is to protect Indian Navy warships against incoming aerial threats. Its vertical launch design allows the missile to turn towards targets approaching from different directions.
The VL-SRSAM is an indigenously developed, ship-based surface-to-air missile designed by DRDO for the Indian Navy. It is intended to intercept aerial threats, including low-flying missiles and aircraft, at short ranges.
Yes. DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the VL-SRSAM on September 12, 2024, and March 26, 2025. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile successfully engaged its aerial targets during these tests.
