The feat is a technological breakthrough at ASW, said Rajnath Singh (Representative Image) / Indian Navy | Photo credit: ANI
Key points
- Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the achievement
- Union Minister Prakash Javadekar praised the development as a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat
New Delhi: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), on Monday, successfully tested the supersonic missile-assisted launch of the ‘SMART’ torpedo. The system, Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo Launch (SMART) was successfully flight tested at 11:45 am Monday from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha, DRDO said.
“This launch and demonstration are important to establish anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” the Defense Ministry stated, the agencies reported.
Congratulating the defense investigation agency, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the achievement is a major “technological advance” for India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. “DRDO has successfully tested Torpedo’s supersonic missile assisted launch, SMART. This will be a technological breakthrough for separation capability in anti-submarine warfare. I congratulate DRDO and other stakeholders on the achievement,” Rajnath Singh said in a Cheep.
Another step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Javadekar
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also welcomed the development as an achievement in light of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “The successful flight test of Torpedo’s supersonic missile-assisted launch, SMART, is a technological breakthrough in anti-submarine warfare. Congratulations to the scientists at @DRDO_India for this rare feat. Another firm step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said in a tweet.
DRDO’s latest feat can be seen in the context of a series of milestones by India’s leading defense investigation agency in the recent past.
Last week, DRDO successfully tested an MBT Arjun laser guided anti-tank missile (ATGM). This was the second successful test of its kind in a short period of a few days, defense sources previously said. The agency also conducted a successful test-fire of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Integrated Test Range at Balasore last week.
“Today’s successful launch has paved the way for serial production of the indigenous propellant and other indigenous components of the powerful BrahMos Weapon System fulfilling the commitment of Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” said a statement from the Defense Ministry. The achievements have earned DRDO praise from the country’s political leadership, including Prime Minister Modi, who congratulated DRDO for its contribution to strengthening India’s defenses.
