Recently, DRDO successfully flight tested SMART missile system from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. SMART basically stands for “Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system. The missile developed by DRDO was launched from ground mobile launcher. This will greatly enhance the anti submarine defense capabilities of India.
All About SMART Missile-
Some of the key features of the missile which sets it apart are-
- It is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system. The lightweight torpedo has a range of around 20Kms.
- The system comprises of a long range supersonic missile carrier with a range of around 643Kms.
- It can carry a payload of around 50 Kgs
- SMART is a canister based missile system,
- Has two stage solid propulsion system,
- It contains electromechanical actuator system,
- Precision inertial navigation system,
- SMART comprises of a lightweight torpedo payload, equipped with advanced technology. It contains a parachute based release system which delivers the torpedo.
- The SMART missile system enables the missile to correct its flight path midway.
It is a truly a milestone that DRDO has successfully flight-tested the missile. This means that the missile demonstrated the full range of its capabilities. The statement said, “This test validated several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO and posted on X-
The @DRDO_India has successfully flight tested the Supersonic Missile assisted release of Torpedo, SMART. This will be a major technology breakthrough for stand-off capability in anti-submarine warfare. I congratulate DRDO and other stakeholders for this significant achievement.
— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) October 5, 2020
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of Defence R&D, also applauded the efforts of the entire SMART team. The whole project, which started in 2018, aimed to develop a quick reaction system to launch torpedoes from a distance.
Why SMART Is A Game Changer..
According to a senior navy official, “One of the most potent threats to surface ships is an undetected submarine and now with the SMART, we have removed the surface ship from the weapon danger zone of a submarine.”
He further said that the SMART technology offers security of standoff ranges. “While the act of detecting submarines will still pose a challenge, but once detected, the SMART would be an unbridled threat to the submarine” he said.
Continuing further he explained that the SMART missile system with a range of 650 Kms can effectively saturate Karachi and Gwadar ports at will. It can also blockade the Malacca strait if there’s any hint of Chinese submarines.
Overall, the development of SMART missile will strengthen India’s defence capabilities and will make us self-reliant. It will bolster Indian Navy’s warfare capabilities beyond the conventional torpedo. The hybrid technology in the system not only upgrades the present system but also increases the striking range. Moreover, geopolitically it will help counter the Chinese navy’s growing submarine deployment in the Indian Ocean region.