DRDO Showcases New NASM-MR Anti-Ship Missile at Aero India 2025, Boasting a 300 km Range and Advanced Propulsion

Aero India 2025 witnessed the unveiling of a significant advancement in India's indigenous defence capabilities – the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile was prominently displayed on the Indian Navy's MiG-29K fighter jet, demonstrating its integration with naval aviation platforms.

Designed as a versatile, all-weather, over-the-horizon cruise missile, the NASM-MR is specifically engineered to target small and medium-sized warships at a range of approximately 300 kilometers. This extended range significantly enhances the Indian Navy's offensive capabilities and strategic reach in maritime combat scenarios.

The displayed model of the NASM-MR featured a distinctive scoop-type air intake, a design choice that differs from the more conventional submerged intakes often seen in similar missiles. This design could potentially offer improved air mass flow for the engine, particularly at lower altitudes over the sea, enhancing its performance in naval environments.

Powering the NASM-MR is the Small Gas Turbine Jet Engine (SGTJE), capable of generating a maximum power output of around 2.7 kN. This engine is a scaled-down derivative of the Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) originally developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for heavier, long-range cruise missiles.

The NASM-MR represents a crucial addition to India's naval strategy, providing a potent medium-range anti-ship capability deployable from both surface vessels and carrier-based aircraft like the MiG-29K. This versatility enables a more agile and adaptable response to evolving naval threats, strengthening India's maritime defence posture.

This unveiling at Aero India 2025 underscores India's growing self-reliance in defence technology and its commitment to developing advanced weapon systems to safeguard its maritime interests. The NASM-MR is poised to become a key asset in the Indian Navy's arsenal, contributing to its ability to effectively address challenges in the increasingly complex maritime domain.

 

[sanket]

DRDO is doing good & MIG-29 becoming more deadlier day by day waiting for Uttam AESA Radar on MIG-29 at earliest, unlike Rafale which has Exocet Anti-ship missile with outdated Tech & Limited Range of Just 70 kM. Mirage-2000 can't even have 100 kM plus BVR, shame on Dassault.

 

[Anant]

So, is this a mockup or a real NASM-MR (maybe the prototype)? I have seen reports as to both.

Regardless, this missile is exceptionally crucial for us. Get a longer-ranged version of the missile, and start fitting out our warships with inclined quad-launchers of the NASM-MR amidships along the ship's beam. That will fix some part of the chronically underarmed nature of our warships.

 

[Mithu Roy]

IAF needs to upgrade their MiG-21.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Fantastic news for MiG 29K which seems to be needed now at least until 2035 by the Navy for the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier

and to work with the 26 Rafale-M once they arrive after contracts are signed.

This low-cost weapon will really help as a deterrence against the PLAN in the Bay of Bengal and the IOR.

 

[GMR]

Excellent.. this will be cost beneficial for IN, to be used on targets for whom Brahmo will be overkill.. Good job DRDO..👍

 

[Hari Sud]

Which one is preferred, the Brahmos or this NASM missile? Which one is cheaper?

 

[Sandeep]

IAF needs to upgrade their MiG-21.

No they need to be retired once and for all

 

[Sandeep]

Eventually the navy will need to overhaul the Mig 29 technology and capabilities as warfare is changing very quickly. We need a better and longer range radar and integrate more indigenous missiles and bombs.

If we developed this and it’s ready for induction then we might as well integrate it on our Sukhoi and Mig 29 jets with the air force. Then we don’t need to make any major modifications on our Sukhoi jets just to integrate the heavy and bulky Brahmos missile.

 

[Anant]

Which one is preferred, the Brahmos or this NASM missile? Which one is cheaper?

The NASM-MR will be far cheaper. It is a smaller, lighter, subsonic missile with a lower range.

 

[Anant]

IAF needs to upgrade their MiG-21.

For what? Those jets are about 30 years past when they should have been retired. The only viable future use they have is as museum exhibits.

 

[Arin Kumar]

The NASM-MR will be far cheaper. It is a smaller, lighter, subsonic missile with a lower range.

India's MANIK engine is significantly heavier than comparable Storm Shadow Engine and also significantly under powered

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

So, is this a mockup or a real NASM-MR (maybe the prototype)? I have seen reports as to both.

Regardless, this missile is exceptionally crucial for us. Get a longer-ranged version of the missile, and start fitting out our warships with inclined quad-launchers of the NASM-MR amidships along the ship's beam. That will fix some part of the chronically underarmed nature of our warships.

It is mock up. I dont think they will keep an actual missile (bomb) in the expo

 

[Anant]

It is mock up. I dont think they will keep an actual missile (bomb) in the expo

True, but you can keep a missile without the warhead.

 

[NAVEENKUMAR]

For what? Those jets are about 30 years past when they should have been retired. The only viable future use they have is as museum exhibits.

They could used for as kamikaze drones

 

[Swetank Bharti]

Eventually the navy will need to overhaul the Mig 29 technology and capabilities as warfare is changing very quickly. We need a better and longer range radar and integrate more indigenous missiles and bombs.

If we developed this and it’s ready for induction then we might as well integrate it on our Sukhoi and Mig 29 jets with the air force. Then we don’t need to make any major modifications on our Sukhoi jets just to integrate the heavy and bulky Brahmos missile.

We are already working on them like an advanced cockpit, Uttam Radar, integration of Astra series missiles as we have a plan to keep it in service until 2040 until TEDBF arrives.