The test forms part of a series of evaluation trials of the SAM, which is designed as the name implies to serve the Army, Air Force and Navy, according to defence sources here. The missile was launched from a specially created facility for Trishul at INS Dronacharya here.

The naval version of Trishul, unlike the configuration already finalised for other services, has an additional sea skimming facility, permitting the missile to dip low and cruise only metres above the sea surface to destroy incoming anti-ship missiles.

The sources said future fighting ships of the Indian Navy would be equipped with Trishul systems, including a deck-mounted launcher with the missile stored directly beneath, in suitable magazines. The ship version of Trishul is integrated with state-of-art surveillance and tracking radars.

Senior scientists andpersonnel from the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), BDL, Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL) and the Indian Navy participated in the launch.

The surface-to-air version of Trishul was last test-fired from Chandipur on-sea launch pad in Orissa on May 11, the day India conducted three underground nuclear tests at Pokhran. This version, which is also in the `quick reaction' category, has a range of nine kms for engaging aerial targets. The missile had then been launched in Army's required configuration using the `Trishul combat vehicle' and had achieved the goals of programmed manoeuvring for the full design duration of the flight. User trial of this version of Trishul are expected to be completed this year.