On Thursday, India successfully tested surface-to-air missile that has been developed in collaboration with Israel.
The system dubbed Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system (MR-SAM) was tested at the Integrated Missile Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore, Odisha.
This missile system is a product of joint venture between India and Israel. The missile was fired from mobile launcher at 8:15 am. The experimental test achieved all the goals. The missile put at ITR-Pad-3 got activated after getting signals from radar and destroyed its target – UAV Banshi – flying over Bay of Bengal. The missile has a strike range of 70 km, and it is similar to the Barak-8 missile. The missile can intercept supersonic aircraft and even other missiles. A naval version of the same missile was earlier tested in Israel.
In addition to the missile, this system also includes surveillance and radar system (MF-star) to identify the path of the target missile. According to DRDO scientists, this system will be able to deal with air dangers, thanks to MF-star radar installed on it. The system also includes mobile launchers, a combat management system and power supply.
Hyderabad-based Indian Defense Research Laboratory has developed the missile system in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industry.
“I congratulate @DRDO_India & Industry teams for the successful flight test of MRSAM (Medium Range Surface to Air Missile) weapon system,” Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar tweeted.
Earlier, this missile was to be tested on Wednesday but the trial was postponed at last moment.
As a safety measure, over 3,500 people were temporarily shifted to nearby shelters before conducting the test.
“The missile will provide the users with the capability to neutralize any aerial threats,” said a DRDO scientist.
President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated DRDO scientists for successful launching of MRSAM Missile.
“I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel,” Mukherjee said in a message to Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defense Research & Development and Director General, DRDO.
“The nation is proud of the achievement made by the DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost India’s indigenous defense capabilities in technologically challenging areas,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Mukherjee congratulated all members of the team of scientists, engineers, and all others involved in the mission.
“Our nation is grateful for their hard work and proud of their achievement”.
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