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.
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.
