In a significant step toward enhancing indigenous defence capabilities, the Indian Navy has successfully conducted user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti. These trials, held between June 23 and July 07, 2025, marked a key milestone in India’s anti-submarine warfare preparedness.
ERASR is a completely indigenous anti-submarine rocket designed by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. Specifically designed to be launched from the Indian Navy’s Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL) systems, the ERASR features a twin-rocket motor configuration that supports a wide range of operational distances with high accuracy and consistency.
The trials included a total of 17 rockets, all of which were successfully tested at various ranges. Key performance metrics such as range capability, electronic time fuze accuracy, and warhead effectiveness were fully achieved, confirming the system’s operational readiness. Notably, the ERASR uses an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze, showcasing India’s self-reliance in advanced military technology.
Production partners Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad) and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (Nagpur) played crucial roles in the development of this system. With trials now completed, the Indian Navy is expected to induct the ERASR into its arsenal, bolstering its undersea strike capability.
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the involved industry partners for this accomplishment. He emphasized that the induction of ERASR will significantly enhance the Navy’s combat strength. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also lauded the teams behind the successful development and trials.
The ERASR programme not only reinforces India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission but also strengthens national security by equipping the Navy with next-generation anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
