Indian Air Force deploys indigenous MR-SAM air defence systems on Western front.

According to ANI, India’s indigenous Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile defence system has been deployed in Punjab’s Adampur. The system is a joint production of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

India’s indigenous Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile defence system (Picture source: screenshot from Indian MoD video)

Last February, the first Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) Regiment was being raised in the Eastern Theatre. Defence spokesperson Mahendra Rawat said that the Regiment was equipped with MR-SAM missiles indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The MR-SAM weapon system which is also called the 'Abhra' Weapon System

Barak 8 ("Lightning" in Hebrew), also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM, is a jointly developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets. Both maritime and land-based variants of the system exist. It was jointly developed by India's Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Barak 8 missile defence system is produced by Israel's Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D), Elta Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and India's Bharat Dynamics limited (BDL).

The missile has a range of 70 kilometers. Its guidance system employs dual capabilities in the form of Command and Active Radar Seeker (RF). This dual guidance system ensures precise target acquisition and tracking, even in challenging environments.

To maintain control during its flight, the missile utilizes a combination of Thrust Vector Control (TVC) and aerodynamic principles. This dual-control approach enhances its maneuverability, enabling it to respond swiftly to changing conditions and threats. The missile's propulsion system is powered by a Dual Pulse Solid Motor.

Equipped with a pre-fragment warhead, this missile is designed for maximum impact upon target engagement. The pre-fragmentation ensures that the payload is distributed effectively, increasing the chances of mission success. For precise detonation and target engagement, the missile features a Proximity Fuse (RPF). This fuse type allows for timely and accurate detonation, increasing the likelihood of incapacitating or neutralizing the intended target. With a flight time of 230 seconds, this missile can cover considerable distances within a relatively short duration.

In terms of its physical specifications, the missile measures 4,50m in length and has a diameter of 22.5 cm. Its weight, at 275 kg, ensures that it can be effectively launched from various platforms. Speaking of launch platforms, this versatile missile can be deployed from both ships and vehicles, thanks to its vertical launch capability. This adaptability makes it a valuable asset in both naval and land-based operations, offering a high degree of operational flexibility.

DRDO has made significant success in terms of developing air defence weapons for both ground-based and warship-based systems. The Indian defence forces already have the S-400 air defence systems, which can hit targets at 400 km maximum distance.

Defense News October 2023