India has taken a significant stride in bolstering its maritime defence capabilities with the successful completion of trials for the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from the INS Kavaratti. The trials, conducted between June 23 and July 7, 2025, mark a pivotal moment in India’s naval advancements and underscore the country’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, the ERASR is a testament to India’s burgeoning defence innovation ecosystem. Collaborating with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, ARDE has designed a system tailored for the indigenous rocket launcher of Indian Naval Ships, specifically engineered to counter submarine threats.
The ERASR’s twin-rocket motor configuration allows it to meet a broad spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency. Equipped with an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze, the rocket enhances operational efficiency, making it a formidable asset in anti-submarine warfare. The trials involved rigorous testing of 17 rockets at various ranges, with all performance objectives, including range performance and warhead functioning, successfully met. This comprehensive evaluation ensures the system’s reliability across diverse operational scenarios.
The government has engaged Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited and Nagpur’s Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited as production partners for the ERASR rockets. This collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s defence industrial base and pave the way for future innovations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the efforts of the DRDO, the Navy, and industry partners in the development and trials of the ERASR. He emphasised that the induction of this system would significantly enhance the Navy’s striking power, reflecting the government’s commitment to indigenous defence production. “The ERASR’s development and successful testing represent a key achievement in India’s defence sector, supporting its vision of becoming self-reliant in defence production,” the government statement added.
This milestone not only bolsters India’s maritime defence capabilities but also reinforces its strategic autonomy. As India continues to invest in advanced defence technologies, the ERASR stands as a beacon of its growing prowess in the defence sector, setting the stage for further advancements in naval warfare.
