Indian Navy Launches Anti-Ship Missile From Sea King Helicopter in First-of-its-kind Test

Indian Navy carried out successful trial of a Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)- developed naval anti-ship missile (NASM-SR) which demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets while launched from a Sea King Helicopter.

The missile scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile uses an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance.

The mission also demonstrated the high bandwidth two way datalink system, which is used to transmit live images back to the pilot for in-flight re-targeting.

The missile was launched with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them. 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.

The missile uses an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS 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.

It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives.