NEW DELHI: In a major leap for India’s naval defence capabilities, the indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) successfully completed user trials on Tuesday. The tests were conducted from INS Kavaratti, marking a significant step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, calling it a “boost to the striking power of the Indian Navy.” He extended his congratulations to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the industry partners involved in the rocket’s development and testing.
In a post on social media platform X, the defence ministry stated: “The user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have been successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh congratulates DRDO, Indian Navy, and the industry involved in the development and trials of the system. He added that the successful induction of this system will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational strength.”
The ERASR is part of India’s broader push toward self-reliance in defence, aiming to reduce dependence on imported military technology. Designed to detect and destroy enemy submarines from extended ranges, the rocket enhances India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and reflects the country’s growing indigenous expertise in advanced weapons systems.
Speaking at a DRDO controllers’ conference in New Delhi on Monday, Rajnath Singh also highlighted the increasing global interest in Indian defence equipment, particularly in the wake of Operation Sindoor. “The world is looking towards our defence sector,” he said. “The courage shown by our soldiers during Operation Sindoor, along with the performance of our indigenous systems, has increased global demand for Indian defence products.”
He noted that global military expenditure has surpassed USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, presenting a massive opportunity for Indian defence exports.
Singh also emphasized the importance of responsible and strategic use of India’s growing defence budget. “Our defence budget is now larger than the GDP of some nations. When such a significant portion of taxpayers’ money is allocated to the Defence Ministry, our responsibility increases. We must ensure optimal utilisation — with timely, purposeful deployment aligned to national objectives,” he said.
The successful ERASR trials mark another milestone in India’s journey toward a more self-reliant and capable defence sector, reinforcing its strategic strength both at sea and on the global stage.
