Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART)

The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release Torpedo (SMART) is an anti-submarine missile being developed by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for the Indian navy.

This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, including, a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system. The system carries an advanced light-weight torpedo and a parachute-based release system as a payload.

When launched from a warship or a truck-based coastal battery, SMART takes off like a regular supersonic missile. However, most of its flight is conducted at lower altitudes, guided by a two-way data link from the launching platform or an airborne submarine detection system. This allows for precise targeting and adjustments to its flight path.

As SMART approaches close to a submerged submarine, it ejects the torpedo system into the water. The torpedo then autonomously homes in on its target, employing homing guidance to strike the submarine.

There is potential for future development to equip SMART with heavy-weight torpedoes, further expanding its capabilities to target surface vessels threatening sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Region.

The missile carries a battery-powered torpedo with a 110 lb (50 kg) warhead and a range of about 12.5 miles (20 km), according to Indian defense industry reports. The system has a maximum range of 403 miles (650 km).

In development.

The project was first mentioned in the Indian MoD 2018-19 annual report. The report stated, " DRDO has taken up a project to develop and demonstrate a missile-assisted release of light weight anti-submarine torpedo system for ASW operations far beyond torpedo range 31 to 403 miles (50-650 km)." The Ministry of Defense also noted that ejection trials had been conducted with a Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL), an indigenously developed torpedo, which is also called the Shyena.

India conducted the first SMART test on Oct. 5, 2020. The system was launched from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. The launch tested the missile's flight range and altitude, the separation of the nose cone, the release of the torpedo, and the deployment of the Velocity Reduction Mechanism (VRM).

The second trial was conducted on Dec. 13, 2021, from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. DRDO said the entire trajectory was monitored by the electro-optic telemetry system, various range radars, including the down-range instrumentation and down-range ships deployed at various locations in the Bay of Bengal. As part of the test, the missile carried a torpedo, a parachute delivery system and various mechanisms required for release of the torpedo.

The third test was conducted on May 1, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher. The test validated the use of symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

 India
   navy              

PERFORMANCE
   Range              403 mi (650 km)