Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)

Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR): Strengthening India’s Naval Defence

India has successfully conducted user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti, marking a significant step in enhancing underwater warfare capabilities.

What is ERASR?

ERASR is an advanced anti-submarine weapon system developed indigenously by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, along with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. It is designed for Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs) onboard Indian naval ships to neutralize hostile submarines effectively.

Key Features

* Twin Rocket Motor System: Ensures engagement of both short- and long-range underwater targets with high accuracy.
* Electronic Time Fuze: Developed entirely in India for precise timed detonation near submarine threats.
* High Operational Accuracy: Proven consistency and battlefield readiness during sea trials.
* Warhead Reliability: Confirmed effective detonation in all 17 test evaluations.
* Production Partners: Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad) and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (Nagpur).

Highlights from Sea Trials

User trials were conducted between June 23 and July 7, 2025, from INS Kavaratti under simulated combat conditions. A total of 17 rockets were tested, successfully demonstrating range performance, fuze timing reliability, and warhead functioning.

Significance

The ERASR boosts India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, promotes ‘Atmanirbharta’ by reducing foreign defence dependency, and ensures efficient budget utilization by replacing costly imports.

With successful trials, ERASR is ready for induction into the Indian Navy. This indigenous achievement enhances India’s maritime security and reflects DRDO’s innovation in developing critical defence technologies suited to national security needs.