India Bolsters Naval Power: Successful Test of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket from INS Kavaratti
On July 8, 2025, India marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) conducted from INS Kavaratti, a Kamorta-class stealth corvette of the Indian Navy. This indigenous weapon system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its industry partners, represents a leap forward in India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, strengthening its maritime security in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Here’s a deep dive into the ERASR, its significance, and what it means for India’s naval prowess.
The ERASR: A Game-Changer in Anti-Submarine Warfare
The ERASR is a fully indigenous anti-submarine rocket designed to neutralize underwater threats, such as enemy submarines, with enhanced range and precision. Fired from onboard Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs) mounted on Indian Naval ships, the ERASR is set to replace the older Russian-origin Rocket Guided Bombs (RGBs), which have a limited range of approximately 5.3 kilometers. In contrast, the ERASR boasts an extended range of over 8.5 kilometers, offering greater standoff capability to engage hostile submarines from a safer distance.
The system features a twin-rocket motor configuration, enabling it to meet a wide spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency. It incorporates an indigenously developed electronic time fuze, ensuring precise detonation at specific depths to maximize its effectiveness against submarines. During the user trials, conducted between June 23 and July 7, 2025, a total of 17 ERASRs were test-fired at various ranges, successfully meeting all specified objectives, including range performance, fuze functioning, and warhead effectiveness.
Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, the ERASR is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology. Production partners, including Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad) and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (Nagpur), have played a crucial role in bringing this system to fruition.
INS Kavaratti: The Platform of Choice
The trials were conducted from INS Kavaratti, the last of four Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes built under Project 28 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Commissioned in October 2020, INS Kavaratti is a potent ASW platform, equipped with advanced sensors and weapons, including torpedo tube launchers, rocket launchers, and a close-in weapon system. Its stealth features, such as a low radar signature and a superstructure made of carbon fiber composite material, make it an ideal platform for testing cutting-edge systems like the ERASR.
With a displacement of 3,300 tonnes, a length of 109 meters, and a top speed exceeding 25 knots, INS Kavaratti is designed for long-range deployments and can operate in nuclear, biological, and chemical environments. Its advanced sensor suite allows it to detect and prosecute submarines effectively, making it a critical asset in the Indian Navy’s efforts to secure key shipping lanes in the IOR.
Strategic Significance in the Indian Ocean Region
The successful test of the ERASR comes at a time of heightened maritime security challenges in the IOR, where India faces growing threats from Chinese and Pakistani naval activities, including the increasing presence of submarines. The ERASR’s extended range and precision enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to counter these threats, providing a rapid-response weapon system that can disrupt submarine operations without the need for deliberate torpedo attacks, which are considered more escalatory.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Navy, and industry partners, emphasizing that the ERASR’s induction will significantly boost the Navy’s striking power. The system’s ability to be fired in single or salvo modes from IRLs offers tactical flexibility, allowing naval commanders to tailor their response to specific mission requirements.
The ERASR’s development aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. With 90% indigenous content, INS Kavaratti and the ERASR showcase India’s growing capability to design, develop, and deploy advanced defense systems without reliance on foreign suppliers. This is particularly significant given India’s strategic need to counterbalance China’s expanding naval presence in the IOR and the planned induction of six new locally made warships by 2026.
Social Media Buzz and Public Sentiment
The successful trials sparked a wave of enthusiasm on social media, with posts on X praising the DRDO and Indian Navy for their achievement. Users highlighted the ERASR’s twin-rocket motor design and indigenous electronic time fuze, celebrating it as a milestone in India’s defense innovation. Some posts called for further advancements in ASW technology, suggesting that alternatives to rocket-based systems, such as advanced torpedoes or drones, should be explored to complement the ERASR.
Looking Ahead: Induction and Future Prospects
With the user trials successfully completed, the ERASR is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, enhancing its ASW capabilities across multiple platforms. The system’s compatibility with existing IRLs on ships like the R-Class, Delhi-Class, and Talwar-Class frigates ensures seamless integration into the Navy’s operational framework.
The ERASR’s success also paves the way for further advancements in India’s ASW arsenal. The Indian Navy is already investing in other indigenous systems, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile, to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities. Additionally, the commissioning of INS Tamal and the induction of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) in recent weeks reflect the Navy’s comprehensive approach to countering underwater threats.
Conclusion
The successful test of the ERASR from INS Kavaratti is a proud moment for India’s defense ecosystem, showcasing the synergy between the DRDO, Indian Navy, and domestic industry. As the Navy prepares to induct this advanced system, it strengthens its ability to safeguard India’s maritime interests against evolving threats in the IOR. The ERASR not only enhances the Navy’s striking power but also underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological innovation in defense. As the nation continues to build its naval capabilities, the ERASR stands as a symbol of India’s growing stature as a maritime power.
