What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

They may ask about the weight/range of the older Sea Eagle missile (580 kg / 110 km) as a distractor for the NASM-SR's specs (380 kg / 55 km). They might also confuse 'fire-and-forget' (Sea Eagle) with 'man-in-loop' (NASM-SR).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: NASM-SR weight (380 kg) and range (55 km). 2. Target this Nodal Body: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 3. Target this Feature: 'Man-in-loop' guidance and 'waterline hit' capability.

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DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Helicopter-Launched Missile (Weight 380 kg, Range 55 km) with 'Man-in-Loop' Feature

Q: Which organisation, along with the Indian Navy, successfully test-launched the NASM-SR missile?

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), The article explicitly states that the DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully test-launched the NASM-SR missile. DRDO is India's primary agency for military R&D.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR): 1. It is an indigenously developed helicopter-launched missile. 2. It has a longer range but is heavier than the older Sea Eagle missile it is meant to replace. 3. It features a 'man-in-loop' guidance system allowing mid-flight target updates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as the NASM-SR is indigenously developed by DRDO. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NASM-SR (380 kg, 55 km) is lighter but has a shorter range than the Sea Eagle (580 kg, 110 km). Statement 3 is correct as the article describes the 'man-in-loop' feature enabled by a two-way data link.

Q: What is the weight of the indigenously developed NASM-SR anti-ship missile, as per the news?

380 kg, The article clearly states that a single NASM-SR missile weighs around 380 kg. The 580 kg option is the weight of the older Sea Eagle missile, a likely distractor.

Q: What is the primary tactical advantage of a 'salvo launch' of missiles, as demonstrated in the NASM-SR test?

To overwhelm a target ship's defence systems, The article states that demonstrating a salvo launch shows the ability to overwhelm shipborne defence systems. Firing multiple missiles in quick succession makes it harder for defensive systems to intercept all of them.

Science & Tech Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

02 May 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:Weight 380 kgRange 55 kmTest Date April 29, 2026

Bodies:DRDOIndian NavyIndian Air Force

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.DRDO and Indian Navy successfully test-fired a salvo of two NASM-SR missiles from a helicopter off Odisha coast.

2.The NASM-SR (380 kg, 55 km range) features 'man-in-loop' guidance and 'waterline hit' capability, an upgrade over the older Sea Eagle missiles.

3.This development is significant for India's indigenous defence capabilities, enhancing the Navy's precision strike power from ship-borne helicopters.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's DRDO and Navy have successfully conducted a salvo test of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR), a 380 kg missile launched from helicopters. This test marks a key upgrade over older systems, featuring modern capabilities like 'man-in-loop' guidance and 'waterline hit' targeting, crucial for anti-surface warfare in contested maritime environments.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Missile NameNaval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR)

Weight380 kg

Range55 km

Test DateApril 29, 2026

Test LocationOff Odisha coast

Old Missile ReplacedSea Eagle (580 kg, 110 km range)

1-Minute Revision

›Missile Name: Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR)
›Weight: 380 kg
›Target this Data: NASM-SR weight (380 kg) and range (55 km).
›Target this Nodal Body: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
›Target this Feature: 'Man-in-loop' guidance and 'waterline hit' capability.

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News Snapshot

🚁

Indigenous Capability

NASM-SR is an indigenously developed, helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, marking a step towards self-reliance in defence.

🎯

Key Features

The missile's 'man-in-loop' guidance allows mid-course correction, and 'waterline hit' capability targets a ship's most vulnerable point.

⚔️

Strategic Salvo Test

Firing two missiles in quick succession demonstrates the ability to overwhelm enemy ship defence systems in combat scenarios.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Indian Navy has been using British-origin Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles from Sea King helicopters since the 1980s. To modernise its arsenal with a lighter, more capable, and indigenous solution, DRDO began developing the NASM-SR in the early 2010s, involving labs like Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) and DRDL (Pune).

Core Analysis & Implications

The NASM-SR represents a significant technological leap. Its 'man-in-loop' feature, enabled by a two-way data link, allows human operators to update the target mid-flight, enhancing precision and reducing collateral damage. The 'waterline hit' capability aims to inflict catastrophic flooding, maximizing lethality. A successful salvo test validates the system's reliability and its tactical utility in saturating enemy defences.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The missile is currently being produced by private sector partners with MSME and startup involvement, indicating a push for defence industrialisation. The presence of Indian Air Force representatives at the test suggests potential induction for IAF helicopters, expanding the missile's operational utility across services.

Key Facts at a Glance

Missile NameNaval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR)

Weight380 kg

Range55 km

Test DateApril 29, 2026

Test LocationOff Odisha coast

Old Missile ReplacedSea Eagle (580 kg, 110 km range)

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which organisation, along with the Indian Navy, successfully test-launched the NASM-SR missile?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR):

1. It is an indigenously developed helicopter-launched missile.

2. It has a longer range but is heavier than the older Sea Eagle missile it is meant to replace.

3. It features a 'man-in-loop' guidance system allowing mid-flight target updates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the weight of the indigenously developed NASM-SR anti-ship missile, as per the news?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary tactical advantage of a 'salvo launch' of missiles, as demonstrated in the NASM-SR test?

All 25 MCQs ▸

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DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Helicopter-Launched Missile (Weight 380 kg, Range 55 km) with 'Man-in-Loop' Feature

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Indigenous Capability

Key Features

Strategic Salvo Test

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance