What is Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART)?

Why in News?The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated off the coast of Odisha.

According to the Ministry of Defence, SMART represents a cutting-edge missile-enabled lightweight torpedo delivery system aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities well beyond the traditional range of lightweight torpedoes.

Key features :

• This canister-based missile system incorporates several advanced subsystems, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system.

 What is SMART?

• The SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system.
• The SMART missile system comprises a long-range supersonic missile carrier that can travel up to 643 km, and a lightweight torpedo with a range of 20 km and a 50 kg high explosive warhead as the payload.
• The missile uses a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuators, precision inertial navigation, and a datalink for mid-course updates and terminal homing of the torpedo.
• The development of SMART is aimed at countering the increasing deployment of submarines by the Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean region and enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence capabilities.