India Test-Fires Barak-8 Surface-To-Air Ballistic Missile

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-launched its newly-developed surface-to-air ballistic missile Barak-8 from a defence base off Odisha coast today.

Barak-8, developed in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries, was test fired from launch pad no-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off Odisha coast at around 08.15 hours, local Odisha TV broadcaster reported.

The four-meter long ballistic missile that has a targeting range of 70 km, weighs 275 kg and can carry a payload of 60 kg.

Apart from the missile, the system includes a multi-functional surveillance and threat alert radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.

The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was deferred at the last moment and postponed for today.

As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration, in consultation with defence officials, had made adequate arrangements to temporarily shift 3,652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad No 3 of the ITR during trial time, DRDO official told the TV broadcaster.

A district revenue official said seven hamlets have been identified within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad and people living there have been alerted through public address system to shift to nearby shelter camps arranged by the administration.

Fisherman engaged in sea fishing along the Bay of Bengal in three coastal districts Balasore, Bhadrakh and Kendrapada were warned not to venture into the sea during test launch time.