DRDO tests' SMART'- a game-changer in anti-submarine warfare

New Delhi: – ‘Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo’ (SMART), which can prove to be a game-changer in anti-submarine warfare, was successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). SMART will majorly augment the strike capabilities of the Indian Navy. China is continuously strengthening its naval capacities. The Chinese navy has more than 70 submarines and they are considered to be the strength of the Chinese navy. Against this background, India is expanding its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The importance of SMART developed by DRDO gets underlined with this.

SMART was tested at Wheeler Island, in Odisha, at 11.45 hours, On Monday. The objectives set for the test, to check the release of the torpedo by the system and functioning of Velocity Reduction Mechanism, were fulfilled satisfactorily. The test was monitored with radars, Electro-optical system and telemetry stations. This test becomes important, as SMART can destroy enemy submarines in a war scenario.

Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists, on successful completion of the test. Raj Nath Singh said ‘DRDO has tested SMART successfully. This will increase our capability to destroy enemy submarines, in a war scenario. I congratulate the DRDO and the entire team on this great achievement.’ The development of technology going into SMART was carried out by the DRDO labs DRCL, RCI, ADRDE at Agra and NTCL at Vishakhapatnam. DRDO Chairman Dr Satish Reddy expressed confidence that SMART will prove to be a ‘Game Changer’ in the anti-submarine warfare.

DRDO recently conducted successful tests of the advanced version of BrahMos and nuclear-capable Shaurya Ballistic missiles. Indigenously developed laser Guided Anti-Tank Missile (AGTM) also was tested successfully. The recent tests conducted by the DRDO will significantly add to the defence preparedness of the country. These DRDO tests become significant, especially against the background of the tension reigning on the India-China border.