India carries out test of missile-based torpedo delivery system

India's SMART system, seen here during its first test in 2020. The DRDO carried out the third known test of the system on 1 May 2024. (DRDO)

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out another test of its missile-based torpedo delivery system after a lull of more than two years.

The latest test of the weapon known as the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was carried out on 1 May, the DRDO disclosed in a statement on the same day.

It was fired from a truck-based mobile launcher that was situated on the Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on India's eastern seaboard. Parameters such as the weapon's separation, ejection and velocity control functions were validated during the test, the DRDO added.

The SMART is a canister-based supersonic missile system that utilises a two-stage solid propulsion system to deliver a lightweight torpedo.

Upon closing in on its intended target, the SMART releases its torpedo payload via a parachute-based release system. This method extends the range of the lightweight torpedo beyond what is usually achieved with conventional delivery systems such as vessel-borne torpedo tubes.

This is the third known test-firing of the SMART system. Prior to the launch on 1 May, the weapon was last tested in December 2021. It was first test-fired in October 2020.

Thus far, the DRDO has not confirmed further details of the SMART system, such as its estimated range and whether there was a successful deployment of a torpedo payload in its latest launch.