India is developing a short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) for nation’s navy after rejecting indigenous Akash missiles, DNA news daily reported Wednesday. “The development project is in its initial stage and is being produced by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The new missile will have range of 25-30 kms and can also be used by Indian Army and Air Force,” DNA quoted a source in the know of the project development as saying. The project is independent of DRDO and French MBDA’s joint missile program for navy which was formalized by the Indian government on March 31. “The fact that they will be vertically-launched next-generation quick-reaction missiles will enable Navy to strike a target in all directions from the ships with much improved maneuvering,” the source said. The cannister based SRSAM will also absorb the large part of the flume that emanates during a missile launch. This will be to the Navy’s advantage that has limited space to operate from the warships. India already has long range cannister based missiles like Brahmos and Agni but navy’s requirement is a short range quick-reaction missile. The medium-range surface-to-air missile Akash was initially made keeping in view Army’s requirement but later its Air Force version was developed. The Navy, however, hadn’t found it fitting its requirement.
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