The Indian Navy has successfully test-fired Barak-8, a newly developed long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) from Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata.
Built at the Indian Government-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited, the Barak-8 LRSAM was launched to destroy a mock airborne target at an extended range.
Featuring an Israel-made MF-STAR radar system and rocket motor from India, the missile is designed to trace and block incoming projectiles at a range of more than 250km.
Additionally, the LRSAM architecture is fitted with missiles, a weapon control system, a vertical launcher unit and a two-way data link designed to combat fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drones and projectiles.
The LRSAM project has been jointly undertaken by the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel.
The missile was first test-fired from an Israeli naval ground.
The Kolkata class destroyers will be equipped with these newly engineered LRSAM, and subsequently in all other major warships to enable the fleet to annihilate airborne strikes at an extended range.
The incorporation of the LRSAM in the Kolkata-class destroyers comes as part of the Project 15A (Kolkata-class) guided missile destroyers venture.
INS Kochi, which is fitted with the LRSAM technology and the MF-STAR radar system, was commissioned on 30 September 2015.
Constructed by the Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, India, the 6,800t anti-submarine warfare vessel features ATM-based integrated ship data network, auxiliary control systems and an automatic power management and combat management system.
