Why is it in the News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently tested a next-generation torpedo release system aimed at boosting the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

What is a SMART System?

• The SMART system, designed to bolster the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology and indigenous innovation.
• With its supersonic capabilities and torpedo release mechanism, the SMART system offers a formidable deterrent against potential submarine threats, enhancing the Indian Navy's operational readiness and maritime defence posture.
• The SMART system comprises a mechanism by which the torpedo is launched from a supersonic missile system with modifications that would take the torpedo to a far longer range than its own.
  • For example, a torpedo with a range of a few kilometres can be sent a distance to the tune of 1000 km by the missile system from where the torpedo is launched.
• The system also gives flexibility in terms of the missile system’s launch platform.
• A number of DRDO laboratories including Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), both in Hyderabad; Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra; and Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) Visakhapatnam have developed the technologies required for SMART.

Key Features of SMART Anti-submarine Missile System:

• It is a canister-based, long-range anti-submarine missile system.
• It has been developed by the DRDO for the Indian Navy.
• The objective behind the project is to develop a quick reaction system that can launch a torpedo from a standoff distance.
• The missile has a range of 643 km carrying a lightweight torpedo of range 20 km with a 50 kg high explosive warhead.
• SMART uses a two-way data link connected to airborne or ship-based submarine detection and identification systems.
• It can be launched from a surface ship or a truck-based coastal battery.
• The missile is powered by a dual-stage solid-propellant rocket and utilizes electro-mechanical actuators for course correction.
• The missile utilizes sea skimming to reduce detection range.
• The first successful test of SMART was done on 5 October 2020 from Abdul Kalam Island.

Significance:

• This missile-based mechanism to launch lightweight torpedoes can target submarines hundreds of kilometres away — far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
• It will be particularly employed in the absence of other assets for immediate action when an enemy submarine is detected.