India Achieves Naval Defence Milestone

India has reached a major milestone in naval defence. The country successfully tested the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR). This rocket is entirely made in India.

Successful User Trials

The trials happened on Tuesday. They were conducted from INS Kavaratti. This success shows the growing strength of India’s homegrown defence technologies.

Congratulations from Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Navy, and industry partners. They all played a key role in developing and testing the rocket.

The Defence Ministry shared on social media platform X:

“The user trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have been successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulates DRDO, Indian Navy, and the industry involved in the development and trials of the system. The successful induction of this system will boost the striking power of the Indian Navy.”

Boosting Self-Reliance in Defence

The ERASR is part of a bigger push by the government. This push aims to make India more self-reliant in defence. It also seeks to reduce dependence on imports.

Enhanced Naval Capabilities

The rocket is designed to improve the Navy’s ability to counter undersea threats. It can do this more effectively and from longer ranges.

Global Interest in Indian Defence Equipment

On Monday, Rajnath Singh spoke about the growing global interest in Indian defence equipment. This interest follows the success of Operation Sindoor.

Addressing the Controllers’ Conference

At the DRDO-organized controllers’ conference in New Delhi, he said:

“The world is looking towards our defence sector. The bravery that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, and the way we showcased our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over USD 2.7 trillion in 2024 – such a big market awaits us.”

Importance of Wise Defence Budget Utilization

He further highlighted the importance of using the defence budget wisely. He noted that it is larger than the GDP of some countries.

“Our defence budget is bigger than the GDP of some countries. When a significant portion of people’s hard-earned income is given to the Defence Ministry, our responsibility increases greatly. We need effective growth. Our defence spending should be such that not only does the budget increase, but we should also use it in the right way – by proper deployment at the right time for the right objective.”