Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israeli Defence Company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) conducted two tests of the Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on 27 March at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The MRSAM is very similar to the Israeli Company’s Barak Missile.The Indian Army version of MRSAM was carried out as part of the live firing trials against high-speed aerial targets. Both the missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them completely, registering direct hits at both the ranges. Four successful interceptions were conducted in various scenarios at different ranges and angles during the missile tests.
Two interceptors were launched from a portable land-based system, while two others were launched from a naval-based system, and the system’s radar detected all four.
In September 2021, the DRDO handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) a version of the MRSAM. The Army’s version of the MRSAM has been jointly developed by the DRDO and the IAI and reflects the growing India-Israel defence collaboration.
In many ways, the Army's version of the MRSAM resembles the Israeli Barak-8 missile, but there are technological tweaks and adaptations to meet India's specific needs.
The Barak-8 enables a 360-degree defence against aerial threats. This includes the ability to intercept jets, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The MRSAM is intended to replace the outdated air defence systems currently being used by the Army. It’s composed of a mobile launcher system — built to store, transport, and launch eight canisters missiles or missiles that can be launched at short notice, either individually or simultaneously — and a multi-function radar, which enables identification and monitoring of target.
The MRSAM is also equipped with an active radar radio frequency (RF) seeker, placed at the head of a missile, enabling the detection of moving targets in extreme weather conditions.
The MRSAM has an estimated range of 70 km and a maximum speed of Mach 2.
