Barak 8/ LR-SAM/ MR-SAM | |
---|---|
Type | Long-range surface-to-air missile |
Place of origin | India, Israel |
Service history | |
In service | Induction Phase |
Used by |
Indian Navy Indian Air Force Israeli Navy |
Production history | |
Designer |
Israel Aerospace Industries Defence Research and Development Organisation |
Manufacturer |
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Specifications | |
Weight | 275 kg (606 lb) |
Length | 4.5 m (180 in) |
Diameter | 0.225/0.54 m |
Detonation
mechanism |
Proximity (60 kg warhead) |
|
|
Engine | Two stage, smokeless pulsed rocket motor |
Wingspan | 0.94 m |
Operational
range |
0.5–90km, some media reports indicate a capability of 100km |
Flight ceiling | 0–16 km |
Speed | Mach 2 (680 m/s) |
Guidance
system |
|
Launch
platform |
|
Barak 8 (the Hebrew word for Lightning) also known as LR-SAM or as MR-SAM is an Indian-Israeli surface-to-air missile (SAM), designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as cruise missiles and combat jets out to a maximum range of 70 km, however, reports suggest the missile has been increased to a maximum range of 90 km following "range upgrade discussions" between India and Israel during November 2014. Some news agencies have referred to the missiles range at 100 km. Both maritime and land-based versions of the system exist.
Barak 8 was jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), India's Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will produce the missiles.
Barak 8 is based on the original Barak 1 missile and is expected to feature a more advanced seeker, alongside range extensions that will move it closer to medium range naval systems like the RIM-162 ESSM or even the SM-2 Standard. Israel successfully tested its improved Barak II missile on July 30, 2009. The radar system provides 360 degree coverage and the missiles can take down an incoming missile as close as 500 meters away from the ship. Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million. In November 2009 Israel signed a $1.1 billion contract to supply an upgraded tactical Barak 8 air defence system to India.
On 3 December 2016, Indian Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha that successful trials of the missile had been completed, and that the weapon systems were proven end-to-end. Bhamre also told the House that delivery of Barak 8 missiles to Indian Navy had already commenced.
The Israeli Navy has commenced equipping its Sa'ar 5 corvettes with the system, the first re-fitted vessel being the INS Lahav. The Sa'ar 4.5 flotilla will be next for the upgrade. The first 32 missile array will be fitted on the Indian Navy stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata (D63).