India’s indigenous Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) program has reached an important stage, with the system progressing towards User Evaluation Trials (UET), according to the latest DRDO annual report.

A significant achievement has been the successful completion of developmental trials for the missile system’s Multi-Function Radar (MFR), a critical element responsible for detecting, tracking and supporting engagements against airborne threats.

The VL-SRSAM has been developed to provide Indian Navy warships with a rapid-response, short-range air-defence capability against hostile aircraft, anti-ship missiles, drones and other aerial threats operating in challenging maritime environments.

The requirement for such a system has grown as modern anti-ship missiles and unmanned platforms increasingly employ sea-skimming flight profiles. By flying extremely close to the sea surface, these threats can exploit radar limitations and reduce the time available for defensive action.

The Multi-Function Radar plays a central role in identifying and tracking incoming targets, while the Weapon Control Computer coordinates engagement decisions and supports the missile interception process.

Designed for vertical launch from naval platforms, the VL-SRSAM forms part of India’s broader effort to strengthen indigenous shipborne air-defence capabilities and enhance self-reliance in advanced military technologies.

Once development, evaluation and eventual induction are completed, the system is expected to reinforce the Indian Navy’s layered air-defence architecture, providing an additional protective layer against aerial attacks while reducing long-term dependence on imported naval missile systems.

The progress towards User Evaluation Trials represents a notable step in the programme’s development cycle.

However, movement into evaluation trials should not be interpreted as confirmation that all testing has been completed or that the system has already entered operational service.

Reported performance figures associated with the missile should therefore be distinguished from officially confirmed operational specifications, which are typically finalised only after all required trials, evaluations and induction processes have been successfully concluded.

Agencies