Tel Aviv. Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Air and Missile Defense Systems jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully tested at a test range in India recently.
MRSAM, which was tested last week, is an advanced path breaking air and missile defense system that provides ultimate protection against a variety of aerial platforms. It is used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Israeli Defense Forces. The system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control, Mobile Launchers and interceptors with advanced RF Seeker.
MRSAM is jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for Indian forces. IAI is in collaboration with Israeli and Indian industries, including: Rafael, TATA, BEL, L&T, BDL and many private vendors.
The current test, conducted at the Indian test range, validated all components of the weapon system to the customer’s satisfaction. Israeli specialists and Indian scientists and officers participated in and witnessed the test.
The flight test demonstrated different extreme reference scenarios, validating various system capabilities. As part of the test the MRSAM interceptor was luanched from a land based mobile launcher and successfully hit its threats. The scenario began by targeting the threat detected by the Systems digital MMR Radar, and launched the MRSAM interceptor toward its operational trajectory. The interceptor acquired the target, and successfully intercepted it. All the weapon system’s elements met the test goals successfully.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO, said that the MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System is a cutting edge, innovative system, that once again has proven its advanced capabilities against a variety of threats. “Every trial in an air defense system is a complex operational event and the COVID-19 limitations significantly increase the complexity. This trial is yet another testimonial to the strong partnership between IAI and DRDO and the two nations. IAI is proud to lead this impressive cooperation with DRDO and the Indian forces and is dedicated to its continued success.”
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist
