DRDO’s ERASR Aces Trials, Navy Set to Soar
New Delhi: In a remarkable stride for India’s naval prowess, the user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have concluded with resounding success aboard the INS Kavaratti, a proud vessel of the Indian Navy. Conducted over a fortnight from June 23 to July 7, 2025, these trials mark a significant milestone in bolstering the nation’s maritime defence capabilities.
The ERASR, a fully indigenous creation, is designed to combat submarines with unmatched precision, launched from the Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL) fitted on Indian Naval Ships. This cutting-edge system, 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, showcases India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
The ERASR stands out for its innovative twin-rocket motor configuration, enabling it to meet diverse range requirements with exceptional accuracy and consistency. Equipped with an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze, the system ensures reliable performance under varying conditions. During the trials, a total of 17 ERASR units were rigorously tested at different ranges, each meeting the specified objectives with flying colours. The rockets demonstrated flawless range performance, precise functioning of the Electronic Time Fuze, and effective warhead operation, underscoring the system’s readiness for operational deployment.
The trials’ success paves the way for the Indian Navy to induct the ERASR system soon, a move that promises to significantly enhance its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, the production partners for the ERASR, have played a crucial role in bringing this technology to fruition. Their collaboration with DRDO highlights the synergy between India’s defence research and industrial sectors, fostering a robust ecosystem for indigenous innovation.
Defence MInister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, congratulating the DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industry partners for their relentless dedication. He emphasised that the ERASR’s induction will significantly amplify the Navy’s striking power, reinforcing India’s maritime dominance. Similarly, Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, extended his compliments to the teams for their meticulous efforts in designing and developing this state-of-the-art system.
This triumph not only strengthens India’s naval arsenal but also resonates with the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’—a self-reliant India forging ahead with homegrown technology to safeguard its waters. As the nation celebrates this achievement, the ERASR stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resolve of India’s defence community, ready to protect the seas with precision and power.
– global bihari bureau
