Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army successfully conducted four flight tests of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Army variant. These tests were held at Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
Key Highlights of Test
- Purpose: Validated operational capability of Army variant of MRSAM against high-speed aerial targets under realistic battlefield conditions.
- Success Record: All four missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed designated aerial targets with direct hits.
- Test Conditions Covered: Proved versatility and reliability of the missile system in diverse combat scenarios. Targets engaged at:
- Long-range & short-range
- High altitude & low altitude
- System Configuration: Tests were conducted using deliverable configuration of weapon system—i.e., the actual system to be deployed in the field.
- Army Participation:
- Trials were conducted by personnel from Eastern and Southern Commands under DRDO guidance.
- Marked a milestone in operational handling capability, paving the way for deployment in two Army regiments.
- Monitoring Instruments: Performance was tracked using:
- Radars
- Electro-optical tracking systems
- Deployed by ITR Chandipur and DRDO.
About Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) System
- It is an advanced air and missile defence system designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats like aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and guided weapons.
- It operates in 70–100 km range with high accuracy and speed.
Joint Development
| Partners | Details |
| India | Represented by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Israel | Represented by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
| Other Contributors | Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), BEL, L&T and other Indian defence firms |
Key Components of MRSAM System
| Component | Function |
| Multi-Function Radar | Tracks targets and guides the missile |
| Command & Control Unit | Receives input from radar and issues firing commands |
| Mobile Launchers | Each launcher can carry multiple missiles (typically 8 per launcher) |
| Missile Interceptors | Can engage targets at Mach 2+ speed and range of 70-100 km |
| Combat Support Vehicles | Mobility and maintenance of the system |
Features & Capabilities
- Range: Up to 100 km
- Altitude Coverage: Up to 30 km
- Speed: Capable of intercepting targets at Mach 2+
- 360° Coverage: Can engage targets from all directions.
- Multiple Target Tracking: Simultaneously track and neutralize multiple targets.
- All-weather Day/Night Operation
- Electro-mechanical Launchers for rapid deployment
Variants of MRSAM
| Variant | User | Purpose |
| MRSAM-Army | Indian Army | Protects field formations |
| MRSAM-Air Force | Indian Air Force | Defends air bases |
| MRSAM-Navy | Indian Navy | Sea-based aerial defence |
| Barak 8 | Israel Defence Forces | Israeli version of the same tech |
Strategic Significance
- Reduces reliance on foreign missile systems.
- Enhances India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities.
- Acts as a deterrent against enemy aircraft and missiles.
- Boosts Make in India initiative in defence manufacturing.