In a bid to galvanise its air defence capabilities, India on Tuesday successfully test-fired a new, long range surface-to-air missile jointly developed with Israel from a defence base off Odisha coast.
The missile was test-launched from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur.
The trial was successful, and more rounds of tests are expected to be conducted shortly, a DRDO scientist said.
Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.DRDO Official
The missile along with MF-STAR would provide the users the capability to neutralise any aerial threats.
Earlier, between 30 June and 1 July 2016 three consecutive test firings of the medium range surface to air missile, jointly developed by India and Israel, were conducted from the DRDO’s Chandipur base.
The missile guided by armoured seeker had successfully hit the last minute manoeuvring target.
The Indian Navy had also successfully test-launched the long range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM).
The test was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by INS Kolkata on 30 December 2015. These missiles would be inducted in all the three services after trials were completed.
Many Indian industries like BEL, L&T, BDL, and TATA group of companies besides other private industries have contributed to the development of a number of subsystems, which have been put into use in this flight test, the official said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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