DRDO, Indian Army Successfully Conduct MRSAM-Army Flight Trials Off Odisha Coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have successfully carried out four flight trials of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Army variant from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

Conducted over two days, the trials simulated real-world combat scenarios, targeting high-speed aerial threats. The missiles achieved direct hits in every test, effectively neutralizing targets across a range of conditions including long-range, short-range, high-altitude, and low-altitude engagements.

“These tests were conducted with the weapon system in full operational mode,” a DRDO official stated. “Performance metrics were confirmed using data from radars and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.” Senior officials from both DRDO and the Indian Army were present to oversee the trials.

The Eastern and Southern Commands of the Army executed the trials under DRDO’s supervision. The successful demonstration is a key milestone toward the system’s induction into two Army regiments. The MRSAM-Army system  jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries — comprises a multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher, and a range of support vehicles.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the Indian defence industry on the accomplishment, emphasizing that the successful tests reinforce the system’s ability to counter aerial threats across critical ranges. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, described the trials as significant progress in bolstering the Army’s operational readiness.