Inputs: Mohd. Omar Malik
Jaisalmer, Sep 9: A medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system was inducted by the Indian Air Force. Led by the Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, firms like Bharat Electronics Limited, Israeli firm Rafael, Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Dynamics Limited also contributed significantly towards development of the Barak-8 system.
G Satheesh Reddy, Chief of DRDO, handed over the first Firing Unit (comprising of missiles, combat management system, mobile launcher systems, advanced long-range radar, mobile power system, radar power system, reloader vehicle and field service vehicle) of the missile system to the IAF Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Capabilities of the MRSAM system were also demonstrated at the event, as part of On-Site Acceptance Test.
The MRSAM-Barak-8 missile system has several capabilities which will help strengthen India’s defense against aerial threats like fighter aircrafts, UAVs, helicopters, guided & unguided munitions, sub-sonic & supersonic cruise missiles. It can shoot down enemy aircrafts at a 50-70 km range. The Barak 8 air defense system includes advanced radar, command and control systems and mobile launchers. The missile is powered by a locally developed rocket motor and control system so that the system can execute tasks normally in unfavorable weather conditions also. Hence, the advanced system will provide ultimate protection against different aerial platforms.
