Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket: India has made a big step in building its own defence weapons as the Indian Navy recently finished user trials of a powerful underwater weapon called the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket, or ERASR. These important tests were done from the Indian Navy ship INS Kavaratti between June 23 and July 7, 2025.
The trials went well and were led by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) from Pune, which is part of DRDO. The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory also helped in these tests. In total, the Navy tested 17 rockets during this period to see how they worked at different ranges. With this, India has shown that it is getting stronger at making its own advanced defence weapons for the Navy.
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ERASR is fully designed and made in India by DRDO. It is specially created to fight enemy submarines hiding under the sea. These rockets are fired from naval ships using something called Indigenous Rocket Launchers. These launchers and rockets are both made in India, which is a big achievement for the country.
The system shows how India’s scientists and engineers are now making high-tech weapons that are built for real battles at sea. This new rocket is not just powerful but is also a step ahead when it comes to modern underwater fighting. These trials show how much progress India has made in homegrown technology, especially when it comes to defence and Navy power.
What are the key features?
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Twin-Rocket Motor Setup |
Provides flexibility to strike both short-range and long-range underwater targets |
|
Electronic Time Fuze |
An indigenously designed fuze ensures timed detonation for maximum damage |
|
High Accuracy & Consistency |
Performs reliably even in challenging maritime conditions |
|
Warhead Efficiency |
Demonstrated effective detonation across all tests |
What are the ranges of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) seen during the Trial?
Seventeen rockets were fired at multiple ranges to assess:
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Range performance
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Fuze operation
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Warhead detonation accuracy
Each test was carried out under realistic sea conditions, mimicking potential wartime scenarios. According to the Indian Navy, all trial objectives were met, affirming the rocket’s combat-readiness.
How many research laboratories were involved in the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) project?
The ERASR project is a collaborative effort between:
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Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune
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High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
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Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam
Its production will be handled by two major Indian defence firms:
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Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad
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Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur
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Leaders Praise the Success of the Rocket Trials
After the successful test of ERASR, many top leaders gave their reactions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the teams involved, including DRDO, the Indian Navy, and private industry partners who helped in building the system. He posted on X, saying, “ERASR will significantly strengthen India’s naval firepower in underwater operations.” He congratulated everyone involved for reaching this big milestone.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, who is the Chairman of DRDO, also shared his happiness over this successful trial. He said the success was due to strong teamwork and new technology that helped them create the weapon system. This shows how DRDO, along with the Navy and other labs, is working closely to make sure India builds more of its own advanced weapons.
