Indian Navy test-fires Extended Range Anti Submarine Rocket to boost naval underwater capability.

According to information published by the Indian Ministry of Defence on July 8, 2025, the Indian Navy has completed a successful series of test-firings of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti anti-submarine warfare corvette between June 23 and July 7, 2025. The multi-phase user evaluation trials were conducted to validate the performance of this indigenously developed anti-submarine system under operational conditions. A total of 17 ERASR rounds were fired at varying distances, confirming the rocket's accuracy, range, Electronic Time Fuze functionality, and warhead effectiveness. All mission objectives were met, demonstrating the system's readiness for frontline deployment.
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Indian Navy successfully test fires the indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket from INS Kavaratti during user trials conducted between June 23 and July 7, 2025. (Picture source: India MoD)

The Indian Navy's INS Kavaratti, the anti-submarine warfare corvette used for the trials, is a Kamorta-class stealth corvette built under India’s Project 28 initiative and specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare operations. Equipped with advanced sonar suites, decoy systems, torpedo launchers, and an Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL), INS Kavaratti provides an ideal testbed for next-generation underwater combat systems. Its low radar signature and high maneuverability allow it to engage submarine threats in both littoral and open-sea environments with minimal detection.

The ERASR (Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket) offers a major tactical enhancement for Indian naval forces by providing extended-range offensive capability against underwater targets. With its twin-rocket motor configuration, ERASR enables flexible targeting at short to long distances, giving surface vessels the ability to strike beyond the reach of traditional ASW rockets. The indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze ensures high precision by timing the warhead detonation to coincide with the target’s submerged depth, increasing kill probability against deep-diving or evasive submarines. The system is designed for seamless integration into the Indian Navy’s IRL platforms, reinforcing the fleet’s layered anti-submarine defense structure.

The ERASR production will be carried out by Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur, marking another milestone in India’s push for defense self-reliance. Following the successful trials, the Indian Navy is expected to induct the ERASR system, significantly strengthening its ability to neutralize underwater threats in hostile maritime zones.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and the industrial partners involved, stating that the successful development and testing of the ERASR will enhance the Navy’s striking power and deterrence capability. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also commended the engineering teams for their innovation and contribution to advancing India’s indigenous defense technologies.