Building A Steady Defence Future, India Successfully Test Fires Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo

| Updated: 13 December, 2021 6:47 pm IST

Image Credit: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

NEW DELHI: Adding yet another feather in its cap, India successfully test-fired a long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART) on Monday. Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), SMART was test fired off the coast of Balasore in Odisha.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved in the successful test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo system and said that the development of the system is a perfect example of building futuristic defence systems in the country.

“The system is a next generation missile-based stand-off torpedo delivery system. During the mission, full range capability of the missile was successfully demonstrated. The system has been designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare capability far beyond the conventional range of the torpedo,” DRDO said in a statement issued after the launch.

Supersonic missile assisted torpedo system successfully tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odishahttps://t.co/bmJpR0q5RB pic.twitter.com/w9OXcodKI9

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 13, 2021

This canister-based missile system consists of advanced technologies that is, two stage solid propulsion, electro-mechanical actuators and precision inertial navigation. The missile is launched from a ground mobile launcher and it can cover a range of distances.

“The SMART system will help India enhance its anti-submarine warfare capability. The successful test-firing of the mission was monitored by tracking stations (radars, electro-optical systems) along the coast and the telemetry stations including down range ships,” shared DRDO. A number of DRDO laboratories have developed various technologies for this advanced missile system. Industry has also participated in the development and production of various sub-systems.

“The system will further enhance the strength of our Navy and promote self-reliance in defence, harnessing expertise and capabilities,” said Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman, DRDO.

This was a textbook launch, where the entire trajectory was monitored by the electro optic telemetry system, various range radars, including the down range instrumentation and down range ships. The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms by the DRDO scientists and engineers, it is reported.