India Bolsters Maritime Defense with Successful Trials of Indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket

Marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward defense self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR). Conducted aboard the Indian Navy’s stealth corvette, INS Kavaratti, between June 23 and July 7, 2025, these trials demonstrated the rocket’s advanced capabilities in enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) strength.

ERASR is a totally indigenous anti-submarine rocket used to combat submarines(X/@DefenceMinIndia) | Hindustan Times

Understanding ERASR: The New Face of Anti-Submarine Warfare

The ERASR is an indigenously developed rocket designed to significantly upgrade India’s naval ASW capabilities. As a successor to the older RGB-60 anti-submarine rockets used with the RBU-6000 launcher system, the ERASR brings considerable improvements, most notably its extended range. The rocket’s dual-motor propulsion system allows it to reach distances of approximately 0.5 to 8.9 kilometers, surpassing the range of previous systems. The inclusion of an indigenous electronic time fuze ensures precise timing for detonation, optimizing the weapon’s underwater blast impact.

During the trials, a total of seventeen rockets were launched to validate the system’s performance across various parameters. These included accuracy of range, reliability of the electronic time fuze, and the warhead’s effective underwater detonation, which was assessed through sophisticated shipboard sonar systems. The consistent success of these launches highlighted ERASR’s readiness for operational deployment.

Development and Manufacturing: A Collaborative National Effort

The development of ERASR is a testament to the collaborative spirit within India’s defense research and industrial ecosystem. The project was spearheaded by the DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, working closely with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL). Together, they combined expertise in propulsion, explosives, and naval technologies to bring this sophisticated weapon system to fruition.

Manufacturing responsibilities have been entrusted to prominent Indian industry partners Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur. This collaboration ensures not only the production of the ERASR but also supports the broader goal of fostering domestic defense manufacturing capabilities under the 'Make in India' initiative. Importantly, the ERASR has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the Indian Navy’s existing Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL) platforms, allowing for its deployment on a range of frontline vessels without the need for extensive modifications.

Strategic Significance and Future Outlook

The successful trials of the ERASR represent a critical enhancement to India’s naval deterrence and combat potential. The extended range capability allows Indian warships to detect and engage submarine threats earlier than before, providing a decisive edge in maritime conflict scenarios. Unlike previous systems with a maximum range of around 5.3 kilometers, ERASR pushes this boundary to nearly 9 kilometers, allowing safer standoff distances and improved tactical flexibility.

With the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO leadership publicly commending the achievement, the ERASR is set for swift induction into active naval service. Its compatibility with existing launchers facilitates rapid deployment across multiple warships, strengthening the Indian Navy’s layered defense against underwater threats.

Looking ahead, plans are underway to further refine the system. This includes potential integration with advanced sonar detection arrays such as the HUMSA hull-mounted sonar, enhancing targeting accuracy and responsiveness. Additionally, future versions may incorporate upgraded warheads or homing torpedoes to increase lethality. ERASR’s development complements other indigenous ASW initiatives like the SMART missile system, which carries the Shyena lightweight torpedo, thereby creating a comprehensive ASW arsenal.

Global Context: Positioning India in Naval Warfare

On the global stage, the ERASR fills an important mid-range role in anti-submarine warfare capabilities. While systems such as the United States’ RUR-5 ASROC deliver payloads up to 24 kilometers and China’s YU-8 missile reaches ranges around 50 kilometers, ERASR’s range strikes a balance tailored to India’s unique maritime security needs. Its induction adds a crucial layer of defense along India’s extensive coastline and strategic maritime approaches.

By achieving this level of indigenous capability, India not only reduces reliance on foreign suppliers but also positions itself as a developing leader in naval technology innovation within the region.

Conclusion

The successful testing and impending induction of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket mark a pivotal advancement in India’s naval defense capabilities. Through indigenous innovation, strategic collaboration, and forward-looking development, ERASR strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard its maritime frontiers against underwater threats. This achievement underscores India’s broader commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, setting a strong foundation for future growth in maritime warfare systems.

(Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, Money Control)