India test-fires SMART, raising concerns of arms race in region
New Delhi: India successfully test-fired the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART), today, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this development has raised concerns about an escalating arms race in the South Asian region.
The SMART is a canisterized hybrid system capable of supersonic speeds. It consists of a medium-range missile carrying a lightweight torpedo as its payload. This weapon system plays a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) for the Indian Navy. The project aims to develop a rapid-response system for launching torpedoes from a safe distance.
The test was conducted at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha, an eastern Indian state bordering the Bay of Bengal.
The successful test-firing of SMART has sparked concerns about a potential arms race in the region. Critics argue that India’s increasing military capabilities could destabilize the region and lead to a dangerous escalation of tensions. They also point out that India’s significant military spending comes at the expense of other crucial areas like education and healthcare.
