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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
