India achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the successful flight test of its domestically developed SMART torpedo system, heralded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a revolutionary advancement in anti-submarine warfare. Conducted at 1145 hours from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island, formerly Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha, the test met all objectives flawlessly.
The Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) represents a novel approach to anti-submarine warfare, extending operational capabilities far beyond conventional torpedo ranges. This demonstration underscores India's commitment to bolstering its maritime strategic prowess, according to defence sources.
Praising the achievement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO scientists for their role in enhancing India's stand-off capability in anti-submarine warfare. The successful SMART test follows closely on the heels of Saturday's test firing of the indigenous hypersonic missile 'Shaurya,' showcasing India's advancements in diverse military technologies.
The SMART system, developed collaboratively by several DRDO laboratories including DRDL, RCI Hyderabad, ADRDE Agra, and NSTL Visakhapatnam, integrates hybrid technology to augment existing capabilities and extend operational ranges. Secretary to the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, described SMART as a game-changer in anti-submarine warfare, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance India's maritime security posture.
In operation, SMART launches from a warship or truck-based coastal battery, resembling a conventional supersonic missile. Employing a two-way data link, it maintains communication with the launching platform or an airborne submarine detection system, enabling real-time adjustment of its trajectory. As it nears the target submarine, SMART ejects the torpedo system into the water, initiating an autonomous pursuit to neutralize the threat.
The successful testing of SMART not only underscores India's technological prowess but also its commitment to enhancing maritime security in the region. With its game-changing capabilities, SMART represents a formidable addition to India's defence arsenal, poised to bolster its deterrence posture in the maritime domain.
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