India puts SMART to the test
'Game-changer' weapon paves the way for India to extend the range of its ASW torpedoes
The Indian government on 5 October announced a successful flight test (pictured) of the Supersonic Missile Assisted release of Torpedo (SMART) weapon, which is designed to enable ASW operations far beyond the range of conventional torpedoes..
Technologies for the system were developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facilities.
‘All the mission objectives including missile flight up to the range and altitude, separation of the nose cone, release of torpedo and deployment of [the] velocity reduction mechanism (VRM) have been met perfectly,’ according to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The test — described by DRDO chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy as a ‘game-changer technology demonstration’ for ASW — took place at 1145h local time on Wheeler Island in the Bay of Bengal.
A radar/EO tracking station along the coast and telemetry stations (including downrange ships) monitored all the events.
Few details are available about SMART, but in its annual report for 2018-2019 the Indian MoD stated that 'DRDO has taken up a project to develop and demonstrate a missile-assisted release of [a] lightweight anti-submarine torpedo system for ASW operations far beyond torpedo range (50-650 km)'.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Indian Navy arsenal includes the MK 54 MAKO and indigenously produced Shyena lightweight ASW torpedoes.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
