Surface-to-air missile test-fired off Chennai can shoot down sophisticated fighters

Enhancing its anti-air warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) on Friday in Chennai.

"The firing trial was carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries," said the Navy on Friday.

The Indian Navy said that they have achieved a significant milestone with the maiden cooperative engagement firing of the MRSAM.

The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by Indian Naval Ships Kochi and Chennai wherein the missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges.

The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years. Defence Research and Development Laboratory Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries.

The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, India.

These surface-to-air missiles are fitted on-board the Kolkata Class Destroyers would be fitted on all future major warships of the Indian Navy.

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.

"This capability significantly enhances the combat effectiveness of the Indian Navy thereby providing an operational edge over potential adversaries," the Navy stated.

DRDO has claimed the cost of Rs 6 crore per missile is cheap, given that it shoots down sophisticated fighters costing hundreds of crores; and protects warships that cost thousands of crores. The MR-SAM contract was signed in 2009, but complex technological challenges caused delays.

JOINT EFFORTS

The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years. Defence Research and Development Laboratory Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years. Defence Research and Development Laboratory Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries.