Bullseye! Indian Navy is working on an anti-ship missile that can hit even hidden enemies with pinpoint precision

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted flight trials of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR). The test, carried out on 25 February 2025 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, saw the missile launched from a Seaking 42B helicopter and hitting a designated target with high precision.

A Breakthrough in Targeting Technology

The NASM-SR stands out with its "Man-in-Loop" capability, which allows a human operator to adjust its course mid-flight. A high-bandwidth two-way data link transmits live seeker images back to the pilot, who can then retarget if necessary. According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile was launched in "Bearing-only Lock-on" mode, initially locking onto a large target before being redirected to a smaller, hidden one. “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,” read a press statement from the MoD.

Also Read: No more hand-me-downs! India gears up to build 40 fighter jets a year, says IAF chief

Replacing Foreign-Origin Missiles

The NASM-SR is designed to replace an existing foreign-origin anti-ship missile used on the Indian Navy’s Seaking helicopters. With a maximum range of over 50 km, it enhances India’s maritime strike capability while reducing dependence on imported weapons. The missile flies in a sea-skimming mode, keeping close to the water surface to avoid radar detection.

Indigenous Technology and Advanced Features

The missile employs an Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance and a Fibre Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System for mid-course corrections. It is powered by a solid propulsion system with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The MoD also highlighted its cutting-edge components, stating, “The missile uses an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based 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 Printed Circuit Board warhead.”

Also Read: India’s Army chief discusses security, tech, and training in France

Collaborative Development and Future Prospects

The missile has been developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Pune-based High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Chandigarh-based Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The project is being supported by Indian MSMEs, start-ups, and industry partners. The NASM-SR's maiden flight test was conducted in May 2022, marking the beginning of a significant push towards indigenous naval weaponry.

Leaders Applaud the Milestone

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the successful trial, calling it a major step forward for India's self-reliance in defence technology. “The tests for Man-in-Loop features is unique as it gives the capability of in-flight retargeting,” the MoD press statement quoted Singh as saying. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also commended the entire DRDO team, the Navy, and industry partners for their contributions.

The NASM-SR represents a significant advancement in India's defence capabilities, reinforcing its push for indigenisation in military technology. With continued development, the missile is set to strengthen India's maritime strike potential, ensuring greater strategic autonomy.