Indo-Israel surface-to-air missile successfully test fired from Odisha defence base

India has successfully test fired a new medium range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM), which was developed jointly with Israel, using a mobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur (Odisha).

"The test launch was a grand success and it met all the targets," an official said.

The missile was positioned at launch pad-3 of the ITR, and it swung in to action as soon as it got a signal from the radars to intercept a moving aerial target, which was supported by an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) called 'Banshee', over the Bay of Bengal.

Scientists added that apart from the missile, the system also includes a Multi Functional and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) which would detect, track and guide the missile.

"The missile along with MF-STAR will provide the users with the capability to neutralise any aerial threats," a DRDO scientist said.

The missile was jointly developed by India’s Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based DRDO laboratory, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Once the user’s trial is completed, these missiles would be inducted in all three defence services.

To be on the safer side, Balasore district administration, in consultation with the defence officials, had temporarily shifted a total of 3652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad No.3 of the ITR at Chandipur so that the missile can be safely launched and any mishaps can be avoided. Fishermen along the Bay of Bengal in nearby areas were also asked not to venture into the sea during the time of test launch.

Image source