Barak 8 Missile’s Interceptor Launch To Be Conducted in India

After successfully conducting an interceptor launch of the Barak 8 missile in Israel, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and its Indian partner, the Defence Research And Development Organization (DRDO) will conduct a similar test in India.

The India test, where the missile would be fired at a simulated enemy target, is the last test before the Barak 8 missile is declared operational.

Israeli newspaper Globes said quoting sources involved in the multi-purpose defensive missile program, whose trial last Thursday was successful, that the Israeli Navy will be able to declare it operational within a few months.

The missiles system is designed to provide protection against a broad range of threats, including cruise missiles, warplanes, shore-based missiles, airborne missiles, and others. A Barak 8 battery, including the Adir radar system made by IAI subsidiary Elta Systems, a command and control system, and the missile launchers, is already installed on the deck of Israel Navy ship Lahav, from which the new interceptor was fired last week as part of a complete trial of the system, the Globes report said.

Representatives of the DRDO participated in the recent trial. The Indian army and Navy is arming itself with these missiles and the accompanying systems under a $2 billion deal.

The IAI has offered the missile to some of its international customers. It is not yet known if India, represented by the DRDO will stand to gain from the foreign sales of the Barak, considering that it was a development partner in the program.