Where was the flight test of VL-SRSAM (Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile) conducted by DRDO?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Integrated Test Range, Odisha

Explanation:
• The VL-SRSAM was successfully flight-tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
• The missile is designed to neutralize various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.
• It is a vertically launched system, which provides 360-degree coverage and is primarily intended for deployment on Indian Navy ships.
• The test validated the integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit and canisterized missile.
• ITR Chandipur is India's premier facility for testing missiles and rockets due to its vast sea range.

Information Booster:
• VL-SRSAM is based on the Astra missile and features cruciform wings and thrust vectoring for high maneuverability.
• It replaces the aging Barak-1 surface-to-air missile systems on Indian naval front-line warships.

Additional Knowledge:
Pokhran Test Range (Option a)
• Primarily used for land-based weapon trials and famously for nuclear tests, but not for sea-bound missile launches.
DRDO Missile Complex (Option b)
• This refers to the APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad where missiles are developed and designed, not flight-tested.
Surya Lanka (Option c)
• An Air Force station in AP used for some surface-to-air missile trials, but Chandipur (ITR) is the standard site for VL-SRSAM development flights.

So the correct answer is (d)