India conducts maiden flight test of NASM-MR anti-ship missile

India's DRDO conducted the maiden flight-test of its NASM-MR. (PIB)

India's state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted the maiden flight test of its land-launched medium-range Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-MR).

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 13 June that DRDO also tested its multi-layered ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability, which includes the AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors. However, it did not disclose the test parameters or results.

The BMD programme was initiated in 1999 to design a multi-layered system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at different stages of flight. The system is intended to engage threats of up to 5,000 km using the AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors. It includes both endo- and exo-atmospheric interception capabilities.

Janes analysis of the NASM-MR image published by the MoD suggests that the weapon has a smooth, rounded nose, likely housing guidance components such as a seeker or navigation system. Behind this is a slender cylindrical fuselage, with no visible staging separation, suggesting a single integrated body.

The missile has a conventional cruise-missile configuration suited to controlled, sustained, low-altitude flight profiles, including sea-skimming operations. It features mid-body wings for lift during cruise and four rear fins for stability and control after launch.

The missile appears to have been launched from 8x8 truck-mounted transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) platform, which was in a near-vertical firing position before launch. The launching mechanism below the missile appears to hold it steady during the firing. The exhaust plume indicates that the engine starts while the missile is still on the launcher, suggesting a hot-launch configuration.

The missile appears to closely resemble US-made anti-ship missile Harpoon, developed by Boeing Defense. The land-launched Harpoon missile has a range of about 120–125 km, although extended variants are assessed to reach beyond 140 km.