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 in Chandipur on February 25, 2025. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter and demonstrated its precision strike capability against ship targets. The NASM-SR showcased its advanced Man-in-Loop feature, allowing in-flight retargeting. During the trial, the missile scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range, using an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance and a high-bandwidth two-way data link for real-time image transmission to the pilot. The missile’s mid-course guidance system is equipped with an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Radio Altimeter, while its terminal phase features an advanced avionics module, Electro-Mechanical actuators, and a PCB warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an inline ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer, meeting all mission objectives. Developed by multiple DRDO labs — including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory — the missile is being produced with the support of MSMEs, startups, and other industry partners. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry collaborators, praising the missile’s in-flight retargeting capability as a unique feature. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also commended the teams for the successful tests.(PIB)