India(BHARAT) Successfully Integrates NASM-MR Missile into MiG-29K: In a major development, the India(BHARAT)n Navy’s Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Medium Range (NASM-MR) has been successfully integrated onto the MiG-29K carrier-borne fighter, marking a significant milestone. This advancement paves the way for flight tests to check how well the missile works when launched from a carrier. The recent imagery and internal data showcase that electrical and mechanical interface checks between missile and the fighter jet have been completed. This success allows planned testing to begin with captive-carry and separation trials. This will be followed by live-fire tests to check the missile’s targeting and guidance in real flight conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India(BHARAT)n Navy’s NASM-MR missile successfully integrated on MiG-29K fighter.
• Tests will begin with carry and separation trials. This will be followed by live-fire checks.
• NASM-MR is a subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missile with a range of 300 km.
• Its lightweight design allows multiple missiles per jet for flexible missions.

What is NASM-MR?

NASM-MR or the Navy’s Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Medium Range fall under the category of a subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missile. It has a range of 300 kms. The NASM-MR is basically a light standoff missile for naval jets that fills the gap between short-range (~55 km) and heavy long-range weapons. Because of its compatibility, fighter jets can carry multiple NASM-MR in a single flight, giving carrier air wings more flexible sortie options.

What Are The Operational Advantages Offered By NASM-MR

• The is capable of flying low over the sea to avoid radar and get past ship defences.
• It’s light weight so fighters can carry several for bigger or coordinated attacks.
• Its medium range capability allows fighters jets to strike farther without the weight and complexity of bigger and heavier missiles.
• Upcoming tests will check safe carriage and separation of the missile.
• If trials succeed on the MiG-29K, the missile could be adapted for other naval fighters like the Rafale M.