The VL-SRSAM (Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile) program has reached its final pre-induction phase, marking a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen its naval air defence architecture. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the system has demonstrated steady progress through a series of successful trials, including a major flight test conducted on March 26, 2025, at Chandipur’s Integrated Test Range.
In that test, the missile was launched vertically from a ground-based system against a fast-moving, low-altitude target at close proximity, successfully proving its capability to intercept sea-skimming threats under near-boundary conditions.
While initially designed for a 40 km range, recent updates in early 2026 confirm that the missile now offers an operational reach of about 80 km, along with an altitude capability of up to 16 km. This expanded envelope allows it to engage a broader range of aerial threats, including UAVs, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
With a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 and advanced maneuverability, the VL-SRSAM can respond rapidly to incoming threats and maintain a high probability of interception, even against targets performing evasive maneuvers.
Its vertical launch system is a key technological advantage, eliminating the need for mechanical alignment and enabling quick, 360-degree engagement. This allows naval platforms to counter multiple threats arriving simultaneously from different directions, significantly enhancing survivability during high-intensity operations.
The missile is expected to be deployed on future platforms such as Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) and Next-Generation Corvettes (NGCs), where it will act as a critical point-defence layer. Operating within a broader, layered defence framework, the VL-SRSAM will complement long-range systems and CIWS to ensure robust protection against evolving aerial threats in modern naval warfare.
