India has successfully completed user trials of its indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) system, significantly boosting the Indian Navy's firepower. The trials, conducted between June 23 and July 7, 2025, from the warship INS Kavaratti, mark a major milestone in India's defense capabilities and its pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology. The rocket is expected to be commissioned into the Navy soon.

The ERASR has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. This collaborative effort has produced a system tailored for the indigenous rocket launcher of Indian Naval Ships, providing advanced capabilities to combat submarines.

The anti-submarine rocket features a twin-rocket motor configuration, enabling it to meet a broad spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency. It also employs an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze (ETF), enhancing its operational efficiency. During the trials, 17 ERASR rockets were evaluated at various ranges, and all performance objectives, including range performance and warhead functioning, were successfully met. These comprehensive tests ensure the system's reliability in diverse operational scenarios.

The successful development and testing of the ERASR are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, especially given the increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean region. The system's imminent induction into the Navy's arsenal will provide a robust maritime security measure.

Production of the ERASR rockets will be undertaken by Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited and Nagpur's Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited. This partnership underscores the government's commitment to involving domestic industries in defense production, boosting the nation's economy and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded the DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industry partners for their contributions to the development and trials of the ERASR system. He stated that the system's induction would significantly enhance the Indian Navy's striking power. The successful test of the ERASR underscores India's growing capabilities in developing advanced defense technologies and strengthens its position as a key player in maritime security. The development aligns with India's strategic defense initiatives and paves the way for future innovations in indigenous defense production.