Indian Navy performed cooperative engagement firing MRSAM.

The Indian Navy successfully conducted its first cooperative engagement firing the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM). This test-firing exercise was involving the INS Kochi and the INS Chennai (both Kolkata-class destroyers).

The Indian Navy seeks to arm all the future warships with MRSAM missiles (Picture Source: Indian MoD)

During the tests, one of the two warships took control of the missiles of both vessels to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges. This represents a major milestone in the Indian Navy's efforts to enhance its anti-warfare capabilities.

During the drills, the Navy was assisted by DRDL Hyderabad (a DRDO laboratory), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The missile was developed under the partnership of DRDL and IAI, while the manufacturing of the MRSAM has been held by Bharat Dynamics, a state-owned ammunitions and missile systems manufacturer.

In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Defence said: “With the successful proving of this cooperative mode of engagement, the Indian Navy has become a part of a select group of navies that have this niche capability." He then added that “This capability significantly enhances the combat effectiveness of the Indian Navy thereby providing an operational edge over potential adversaries”.