Indian Navy test fires latest medium range missile in Arabian Sea

Indian Navy test fires latest medium range missile in Arabian Sea amid cross border tensions post-Pahalgam attack

India's indigenous warship INS Surat successfully carried out a precision missile test, bolstering maritime defence at a time of escalating tension with Pakistan. Day after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, Pakistan announced a missile test of its own. India has since suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and SAARC visa access for Pakistani citizens. With strong statements from top leadership and cross-border links to the attack confirmed, New Delhi is signalling it will respond firmly.


India's newest indigenous warship, INS Surat, successfully intercepted a fast, low-flying target using a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system in the Arabian Sea this week. The cooperative engagement test marks a strategic milestone for the Indian Navy, highlighting progress in both indigenous design and combat-readiness. This achievement demonstrates the Indian Navy's capability to detect and destroy aerial threats at extended ranges, thereby enhancing the country's maritime security.

The INS Surat, commissioned in 2023, is a P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer and one of the most advanced warships in the Indian Navy's fleet. The MRSAM system, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, is a cutting-edge missile defence system designed to neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The successful test comes at a critical juncture, as India faces escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, has been attributed to Pakistan-based terror groups, and India has since taken a series of measures to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and economically.

The Indian Navy's demonstration of its maritime prowess is seen as a strong message to Pakistan, underscoring India's commitment to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The test also highlights India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with the INS Surat being the latest addition to the Indian Navy's fleet of indigenously built warships.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's announcement of a missile test of its own has raised concerns about the escalating arms race in the region. India has repeatedly called on Pakistan to take concrete steps to dismantle its terror infrastructure and to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Indian Navy's successful missile test serves as a reminder of India's military preparedness and its ability to respond to emerging threats. The test has also sent a strong signal to Pakistan that India will not be intimidated by its aggressive posturing and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its national interests.