DRDO successfully tests Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system
Test of SMART: next generation missile assisted release of torpedo
Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was successfully flight-tested in the morning on May 1, 2024. The flight took off from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. SMART is a next-generation, missile-based, light-weight torpedo delivery system. It is designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo.
The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test. This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight-test of SMART. “The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy,” he said.
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Earlier in 2023 at the 14th Aero India Expo held in Bengaluru, the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) rolled out its own precision-guided munitions (PGMs).In 2022, DRDO also test-fired a new helicopter-launched anti-ship missile. The missile is known as the “Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range” or NASM-SR. The missile has an operational range of between 5 – 55 km. NASM-SR is a subsonic missile.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO , Dr Samir V Kamat lauded the efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence.