User trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket conducted from INS Kavaratti (Photo: DRDO)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy has successfully completed user trials of the extended-range anti-submarine rocket (ERASR), the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The trials were conducted from June 23 to July 7 aboard INS Kavaratti, which demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare.
The Defence Research and Development Organization’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, developed the ERASR in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. The system has been specifically designed for the indigenous rocket launcher (IRL) fitted on Indian naval vessels.
Twin-motor config for enhanced range
The ERASR represents a completely indigenous solution for anti-submarine warfare, featuring a sophisticated twin-rocket motor configuration that enables it to engage targets across a wide spectrum of ranges whilst maintaining high accuracy and consistency. This dual-motor design allows naval commanders greater flexibility in responding to submarine threats at varying distances.
A key innovation in the ERASR is its indigenously developed electronic time fuze (ETF), which enhances the rocket’s precision and reliability. This electronic timing system represents a significant advancement over conventional fuzing mechanisms, providing more accurate target engagement capabilities.
Testing validates operational readiness
During the two-week trial period, a total of 17 ERASR rockets were successfully test-evaluated at different ranges, with all specified objectives being met. The trials comprehensively demonstrated three critical aspects of the system's performance: range capabilities, ETF functioning, and warhead effectiveness.
The successful completion of these trials positions the ERASR for imminent induction into the Navy’s arsenal, strengthening the service’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This development is particularly significant given the increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean region and the need for robust maritime security measures.
Partnerships drives production readiness
Two Indian defence manufacturers have been designated as production partners for the ERASR system: Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur. This partnership approach ensures adequate production capacity and maintains the system’s indigenous character whilst supporting India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, congratulated the DRDO, the Navy, and the industry partners involved in the development and trials of the system. Singh emphasized that the induction of this system into the Navy will significantly boost its striking power, enhancing India's maritime security capabilities.
Dr Samir V Kamat, secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and chairman of DRDO, also commended the teams involved in the design and development of the ERASR, recognizing their contribution to India’s growing defence technology capabilities.
