DRDO’s quick reaction missile hits target in 30 seconds

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully test-fired the quick reaction surface-to-air missile (QR-SAM).

According to DRDO sources, the test was conducted from LC-3 (Launch Complex) of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, along the Odisha coast.

Mounted on a truck, the short range missile took off from a canister at 11.27 am and hit the target within 30 seconds. An electronic target was used during today’s launch.

This was QR-SAM’s second launch with the maiden one conducted on June 4, 2017.

Developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), scientists from DRDO’s other labs including RCI, R&D Engineers and ITR were part of the QR-SAM mission.

Around 100 scientists were part of the launch campaign with majority of them being youngsters, with their average age being 35 years.

During the next launch, DRDO plans to engage the missile against an unmanned aerial platform. A home-grown seeker would also get onboard the missile for the subsequent launches.

With Indian Army being the first prospective user, DRDO is hopeful of the missile’s induction after seven to eight more launches. The missile has a range between 20-30 kms.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley congratulated DRDO scientists soon after the launch via a tweet.

“Successful flight test of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile paves way for complete indigenization of Surface to Air missile domain. This will add to India's defence capabilities,” Jaitley tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given the first stage forest clearance to DRDO for setting up a new missile test launch facility at Gullalamoda village in Krishna district.

 mathrubhumi