India tests new surface-to-air missile co-developed with Israelis
June 30, 2016 09:39
India on Thursday test-fired a new surface-to-air missile developed jointly with Israel from the the Integrated Test Range at Balasore off Odisha coast.
Although DRDO officials refused to divulge details about the missile, sources said the weapon system is a variant of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile, Barak. This is the first time that missile was tested from a land-based platform for the first time.
Also called Barak NG (next generation), the LRSAM can intercept aerial targets up to a range of 80 km.
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.
The test-firing of the missile was jointly carried out by Indian defence personnel, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.
As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration in consultation with defence officials made adequate arrangements to again temporarily shift 3652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad No 3 of the ITR.
A district revenue official said seven hamlets have been identified within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad and people living there have been alerted through public address system to shift to nearby shelter camps arranged by the administration.
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