The test came as a surprise to experts as the previously unknown missile system has never been discussed by DRDO scientists.The Shourya has been described as a canister launched short-range surface-to-surface missile and appears to be a variant of an existing missile system already in service with the Army.

“The DRDO has termed as successful the flight-test of the ‘Shourya’ missile system. This developmental flight trial of ‘Shourya’ missile system is a part of the ongoing technology development work undertaken by the DRDO,” a Defence Ministry statement said.

What makes the missile unique is the canister system that makes it easy to transport and hide from the enemy. The missile would not need an elaborate launching pad system and would be easier to fire from hidden locations and underground facilities.

The canister would also make it easier to transport and give it a longer service life, DRDO says. “The missile has a unique feature of simplicity of operation and maintenance. It can be easily handled, transported and stored within the canister for longer shelf life,” the DRDO spokesperson said.

Experts say the missile is designed for easier storage and transport to enhance India’s second strike capability of responding to a nuclear attack. “The missile would be easier to hide from the enemy and with the canister system will be capable of being fired from underground locations. Given India’s no-first-use policy, it would form a crucial part of the nuclear arsenal,” a missile expert said.

The importance of the system can be gauged from the fact that the Defence Minister termed it as a ‘milestone’ while congratulating DRDO scientists. “The successful test-firing of the new state-of-the-art canisterised missile marks another milestone in the country’s missile programme,” Antony said in a message to DRDO.