NASM-MR Missile in Indian Navy: India has taken a big step forward in making its own defence weapons. The Indian Navy has now successfully fitted the Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile, called NASM-MR, onto its MiG-29K fighter aircraft. This success shows that all wires, systems, and mechanical parts work properly together. Because of this, navy fighter jets can now attack enemy ships more strongly during aircraft carrier missions.
The defence teams carefully checked every small detail during this process. Engineers made sure the missile connects safely with the aircraft and works as planned. With this step complete, the Navy can now move ahead to the next stage. Flight testing of the NASM-MR will begin in the first quarter of 2026.
These tests will check how the missile performs when launched from the air in real conditions. Earlier tests on the ground and while carrying the missile under the aircraft have already been completed.
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One Missile Family
The NASM-MR is not just one missile. It belongs to a full family of missiles made for different needs. Each version is designed to work from a different platform. This gives the Indian Navy more freedom and power during operations. The air-launched version is specially made for fighter jets like the MiG-29K. It can hit targets up to 290 kilometres away. This long range allows pilots to attack enemy ships from far away and stay safer from enemy air defences. With this missile, aircraft carriers can strike deeper into enemy waters.
The ship-launched version of the NASM-MR can fly even farther. It can reach targets up to 350 kilometres away. Navy destroyers and frigates can fire this missile from deck launchers or vertical launch systems. This gives warships the ability to hit enemy fleets without coming close.
There is also a submarine version of the missile this one has a range of more than 100 kilometres. Submarines can fire it while staying hidden underwater. They can launch it through torpedo tubes or special capsules. This lets submarines destroy enemy ships without revealing their position. A land-based coastal version also exists. This version can be placed along the coast to protect shorelines. It can quickly respond to enemy ships trying to come closer and works well with radar systems already in use.
Made in India Technology
It has a dual-pulse solid rocket motor that helps it fly farther and move better during attack. The missile uses active radar to find its target and includes systems to defeat enemy jamming. Its guidance system uses inertial navigation along with GPS and INS to stay accurate during flight. These features help the missile work even in heavy electronic warfare conditions.
DRDO led the missile’s development with help from Indian private companies like Adani Defence and others. The project builds on experience gained from earlier missiles such as BrahMos and Nirbhay. Some versions also use turbojet or ramjet technology. Indian companies will help produce the missile in large numbers.
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For the Indian Navy, this missile brings major benefits. Aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant will now have Indian-made weapons instead of foreign ones. This reduces imports and saves money in the long run. The missile’s range is better than many similar weapons used in nearby regions.
Engineers have already solved difficult problems like fitting the missile to the MiG-29K’s systems and making sure it separates safely after launch. Flight tests in early 2026 will also check how the missile turns near targets and how its warhead performs.
India plans to bring the NASM-MR into service by late 2027 after all trials finish. The Navy may also use it on future aircraft like the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter. Costs will stay competitive because most parts are made in India.
