In a significant leap towards bolstering its maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy has successfully conducted user trials of the indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR). The trials, which took place from June 23 to July 7 aboard the INS Kavaratti, mark a crucial step towards the induction of the ERASR system into naval service.

The ERASR is a completely indigenous anti-submarine weapon system designed to be launched from Indian naval ships equipped with indigenous rocket launchers (IRLs). Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ERASR is a critical component in enhancing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, offering extended range and precision against underwater threats.

The development of the ERASR is a collaborative effort involving multiple DRDO establishments, including the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. This collaborative approach has resulted in a state-of-the-art rocket system with advanced features.

The ERASR boasts a twin-rocket motor configuration, enabling it to meet a wide spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency. It is also equipped with an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze. During the user trials, a total of 17 ERASRs were successfully test-evaluated at different ranges, demonstrating the system's range performance, electronic time fuze functioning, and warhead effectiveness.

Following the successful completion of user trials, the Indian Navy is expected to induct the ERASR system soon. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur, are the production partners for the ERASR.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industry partners involved in the development and trials of the ERASR system. He stated that the induction of this system would significantly boost the Indian Navy's striking power in underwater warfare. The successful development and testing of the ERASR align with the Indian government's focus on promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The ERASR is a testament to India's growing capabilities in developing advanced weapon systems and its commitment to enhancing its maritime security.