A vertical-launched short-range surface-to-air missile was successfully flight tested at an integrated test range off the coast of Odisha on Tuesday by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile, launched from the test range at Chandipur near Balasore at 3.08 pm, will be deployed on board various frontline ships of the Indian Navy, officials said.
The defence ministry said the flight testing of the missile system was conducted to validate the integrated operation of all its weapon system components.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated all the stakeholders involved in the missile project including the DRDO and the Indian Navy.
He said the system will further enhance the defence capability of Indian Naval ships against aerial threats.
'The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters was monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur,' the ministry said in a statement.