Indian Navy Transforms Old Kh-35E Missiles into Realistic Training Drones for Air Defense

Defense News ,India :-  In a recent event, the Indian Navy showcased an ingenious training solution at the MILAN Technical Exposition (MTEX 2024), highlighting their innovation in repurposing decommissioned weapons.

The Naval Armament Depot took a retired Kh-35E (3M-24E) anti-ship missile, originally from Russia, and turned it into a sea-skimming target drone. Unlike its past role as an offensive weapon, this missile now serves as a practice target for naval vessels during air defense drills.

This transformed missile, flying at a low altitude of less than 10 meters above sea level, mimics real-world anti-ship attack profiles. The goal is to create a lifelike simulation that helps naval crews enhance their air defense systems and missile interception capabilities.

The Kh-35E missile is a sophisticated piece of technology, featuring various components like a body, active radar seeker, high-explosive fragmentation penetrator warhead, self-destruct system, inertial navigation system, radio altimeter, air intake, fuel system, turbofan engine, and solid-state rocket booster.

What makes this initiative even more commendable is the cost-saving aspect. Instead of developing new target drones from scratch, the Navy is recycling decommissioned missiles, demonstrating an economically efficient approach to training.

Beyond financial benefits, the Kh-35E's natural sea-skimming trajectory adds another layer of realism to the training. Ship-based crews can now practice defense maneuvers against a missile that behaves similarly to potential threats. This innovative method not only saves resources but also aligns with environmentally responsible practices by reducing waste.