India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation and the Indian Navy have flight-tested the country’s first helicopter-launched anti-ship missile.
The Naval Anti-Ship (short-range), or NASM-SR, missile struck a ship target after being fired from a naval Sea King helicopter.
“The missile was launched in bearing-only lock-on after launch mode with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them,” the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) explained in a press release.
“The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.”
Naval Anti-Ship Missile
For terminal guidance, the NASM-SR uses an imaging infrared seeker, which makes it immune to radar jamming.
It employs a two-way data link for inflight retargeting.
“The missile uses an indigenous fiber optic gyroscope-based INS (inertial navigation system) and radio altimeter for its mid-course guidance, an integrated avionics module, electro-mechanical actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries and PCB warhead,” the MoD explained.
“It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer.”
Moreover, it travels in sea-skimming mode, which makes it more difficult to intercept.
Additional Features
India lacks an air-launched anti-ship missile as the airborne BrahMos is still not in service.
At Mach 0.8, the NASM-SR is much slower than BrahMos’ Mach 2.8 and reportedly has one-tenth of BrahMos’ range of 500 kilometers (310 miles).
The missile is likely to have a warhead of 100 kilograms (220 pounds), which is considered enough to sink a patrol boat or damage a warship.
In addition to helicopters, it can be reconfigured for use from land-based platforms and small warships.
