🚨 Context
The Indian Navy has successfully conducted user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for indigenous underwater warfare capabilities.
🔍 What is ERASR?
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An indigenously developed anti-submarine rocket designed for the Indian Navy’s Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRL).
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Developed entirely in India under the Make in India initiative.
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Purpose: Neutralise enemy submarines in coastal and deep-sea operations.
⚙️ Key Features of ERASR
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Twin-Rocket Motor Configuration → Provides flexible range and high strike accuracy.
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Indigenous Electronic Time Fuze → Enhances reliability and precision targeting.
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High Survivability → Functions effectively in contested underwater conditions.
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Range & Versatility → Optimised for both short and extended strike missions.
✅ Trial Achievements
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17 rockets successfully test-fired at multiple ranges.
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Objectives met:
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✔️ Range performance
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✔️ Fuze functioning
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✔️ Warhead effectiveness
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Proves combat-readiness for frontline induction.
🏭 Development & Production
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Lead Agency: DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune
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Collaborators:
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High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
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Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
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Production Partners:
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Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Hyderabad
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Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd, Nagpur
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🇮🇳 Strategic Significance
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Strengthens India’s Underwater Warfare Capability → Critical in the Indian Ocean Region where China’s submarine presence is rising.
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Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat → Fully indigenous design, development, and production.
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Force Multiplier for the Navy → Enhances operational readiness of frontline warships like INS Kavaratti.
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Future Ready → Can be scaled for next-generation anti-submarine operations.
🧾 Conclusion
The successful ERASR trials mark a major leap in India’s anti-submarine warfare preparedness. With induction planned soon, the Indian Navy gains a potent home-grown weapon system—strengthening maritime security and reinforcing India’s position as a leading naval power in the Indo-Pacific.