Indo-Israeli newly developed surface-to-air missile 'Barak-8' successfully test-fired 53006164

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Defence & Security News - India
 
Indo-Israeli newly developed surface-to-air missile 'Barak-8' successfully test-fired
According to The New Indian Express, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday (June 30) successfully conducted maiden test of newly developed Indo-Israeli Barak-8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast.
     
IndoIsraeli newly developed surfacetoair missile Barak 8 successfully testfired 640 001The Barak-8 showcased at Balt Military Expo 2016
     
This most advanced missile, a variant of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak-8, has been developed by India in a joint collaboration with Israel. The DRDO is however yet to give a specific name to the missile.

Defence sources said the weapon system having a strike range of around 70 km was test fired in full operational configuration from the launching complex - III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea at about 8.16 am. The missile was fired against an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Banshee, a British target drone.

The 4.5-meter long nuclear capable ballistic missile weighs around 2.7 tonne and can carry a payload of 60 kg. Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MFSTAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.

The missile jointly developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a laboratory of DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries was test launched in a joint effort by both the research institutions.

Speaking to 'The New Indian Express' Programme director of the project and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister G Satheesh Reddy said in a quantum jump in air defence competency, the missile successfully intercepted a manoeuvring air-breathing target mimicking an attacking combat aircraft. "It was a perfect launch achieving all mission parameters,” he claimed.

The MRSAM has been manufactured by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stake holders over the years which would provide a fillip to the air strike operations.

The missile has been designed to defend against aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In January 2007, India and Israel had signed a US$330 million deal to co-develop an all new generation of the Barak SAM. It can identify and destroy airborne threats like jets, missiles and rockets, including projectiles launched simultaneously. The missile has maximum speed of Mach 2 and possesses high degrees of maneuverability at target interception range.

As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration, in consultation with defence officials, had made adequate arrangements to temporarily shift 3,652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the LC-III of the ITR during trial period. The residents were compensated by the defence authorities.

Fisherman engaged in sea fishing along the Bay of Bengal in three coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapada were also warned not to venture into the sea during the test.

The test was originally planned on Wednesday. It was deferred due to technical reasons. The DRDO is also readying a second test of the missile in the afternoon or on Friday.