NASM-SR (Naval Anti-Ship Missile - Short Range)
Indigenous air-launched short-range anti-ship missile under development for the Indian Navy and Air Force, designed to arm helicopters and fighter aircraft with precision anti-ship capability. NASM-SR features a range of 50-70 km, sea-skimming flight profile at altitudes under 10 metres, active radar seeker with imaging capability for target discrimination, and a high-explosive penetrating warhead. The missile is lightweight (approximately 350 kg) enabling carriage by helicopters including the HAL Dhruv/Rudra, Sea King, and MH-60R, as well as fighter aircraft. Intended to replace aging Sea Eagle missiles on Sea Harrier aircraft (now retired) and provide modern anti-ship capability for naval helicopters. The NASM-SR enables the Indian Navy to engage enemy surface vessels from helicopters operating from destroyers, frigates, and corvettes without requiring the launch platform to close to short range. Successfully tested from helicopters with operational deployment expected in the mid-2020s.
- Indigenous lightweight anti-ship missile for smaller naval platforms
- Fills gap below BrahMos for patrol vessels and corvettes
- Lower cost per round than BrahMos for routine patrol engagements
- Sovereign supply chain free from import restrictions
- Still in development — performance specifications unproven
- Subsonic speed vulnerable to modern ship-based CIWS
- Short range (55 km) vs. BrahMos limits engagement flexibility
- Small warhead reduces lethality against larger combatants
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