India to Test New Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile

India plans to test a new long-range anti-ship ballistic missile, capable of hitting targets over 1,000 km away, in the coming days. Developed for the Indian Navy, the missile can be launched from warships or land. It aims to enhance India's defense capabilities amid regional conflicts.

India is on the brink of testing a new long-range anti-ship ballistic missile as its defense forces consider the creation of a rocket force. The missile, designed to target moving warships and aircraft carriers at distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers, is poised for test firing in the near future, according to defense sources.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is expected to conduct the test in the coming days. The missile, capable of launches from both naval vessels and shore bases, is developed specifically for the Indian Navy to enhance its capability to neutralize enemy vessels from significant distances, sources informed ANI.

This development comes as Indian defense forces increase their ballistic missile inventory, with both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force placing orders for Pralay ballistic missiles. The build-up includes augmenting short and medium-range missile stocks across all three services to maintain the capacity for prolonged conflict engagement.

Recent conflicts have witnessed extensive ballistic missile use, even by non-state actors, emphasizing the need for a robust arsenal. India's strategic perspective is influenced by its ongoing border tensions with China, which boasts a significant rocket force. Consequently, Indian forces are discussing the establishment of a large-scale rocket inventory to address security concerns comprehensively.

(With inputs from agencies.)