From June 23 to July 7, 2025, the Indian Navy successfully conducted user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti, a Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette. The trials validated its "range performance, electronic time fuze functionality, and warhead effectiveness"—with 17 rockets launched at varying ranges under operational conditions. (Press Information Bureau, Hindustan Times, Naval Today, The Times of India, The Tribune, Wikipedia)
Developed indigenously by DRDO’s ARDE (Pune) with support from HEMRL and NSTL, ERASR features a twin-rocket motor configuration adaptable to both short- and long-range submerged threats, paired with an Electronic Time Fuze for precise detonation. (Press Information Bureau, Insights IAS, Wikipedia)
Manufacturing partners include Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad) and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (Nagpur). With trials completed, induction into the Indian Navy is expected soon. (Press Information Bureau, Hindustan Times, Wikipedia)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Navy, and industry, saying ERASR will significantly boost the Navy’s striking power. (Press Information Bureau, Hindustan Times, The Times of India)
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
Where were the ERASR user trials conducted?
A) INS Visakhapatnam
B) INS Kavaratti
C) INS Vikrant
D) INS Kolkata
Answer: B) INS Kavaratti
Explanation: INS Kavaratti, a Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette, hosted the ERASR trials from June 23 to July 7, 2025. (Press Information Bureau, Naval Today, The Times of India)
Question 2:
Which DRDO laboratory led the development of ERASR?
A) ADE (Ahmedabad)
B) ARDE (Pune)
C) DLRL (Hyderabad)
D) DMRL (Hyderabad)
Answer: B) ARDE (Pune)
Explanation: The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, led ERASR development, with HEMRL and NSTL as partners. (Press Information Bureau, Insights IAS, Wikipedia)
Question 3:
What unique feature does the ERASR system include for precision targeting?
A) GPS-guided navigation
B) Acoustic homing system
C) Electronic Time Fuze
D) Infrared seeker
Answer: C) Electronic Time Fuze
Explanation: ERASR utilizes an indigenous Electronic Time Fuze for accurate detonation timing. (Press Information Bureau, Insights IAS)
Question 4:
How many ERASR rockets were successfully test-fired during the trials?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 17
D) 20
Answer: C) 17
Explanation: A total of 17 rockets were test-evaluated across multiple ranges, meeting all trial objectives. (Press Information Bureau, Insights IAS)
Question 5:
What is the key advantage of the ERASR’s twin-rocket motor configuration?
A) Cost-effectiveness
B) Enables aerial launch capability
C) Flexibility for both short and long range underwater targets
D) Satellite launch compatibility
Answer: C) Flexibility for both short and long range underwater targets
Explanation: The twin-rocket motor design enables engaging both short- and long-range submarine threats with high accuracy. (Press Information Bureau, Insights IAS, Wikipedia)
