Amid growing border tensions with China, in a significant move to scale up its defence technology, India has successfully test-fired the long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART) off Wheeler Island in Odisha.
According to a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announcement, the new supersonic missile assisted torpedo system was successfully tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
The Union ministry of defence claimed that the supersonic missile assisted torpedo system is a next-generation missile-based standoff 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,” the ministry of defence said in a statement.
The Union ministry further claimed that the test conducted was a textbook launch where the entire trajectory was monitored by the electro-optic telemetry system, various range radars, including the downrange instrumentation and downrange ships. The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms.
As per defence experts, the canister-based missile system consists of advanced technologies viz. 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 Union ministry further claimed that a number of DRDO laboratories have developed various technologies for this advanced missile system. Defence minister Rajnath Singh meanwhile, has congratulated the DRDO teams involved in the successful test of the supersonic missile assisted torpedo system and said, the development of the system is a perfect example of building futuristic defence systems in the country.
