India today successfully test-fired the most advanced surface-to-air missile 'Barak-8' off the Odisha coast. The long-range nuclear capable ballistic missile, developed jointly with Israel, was first test-fired at 10:13 hrs from a mobile launcher; while the second test was conducted at 14:25 hrs this afternoon at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in Balasore district. The 4.5-meter missile weighs around 3 tonnes can carry a payload of 70 kilograms.<br/><br/>Both the missiles swung into action after getting signals from the radars to intercept a moving aerial target supported by an unmanned air vehicle 'Banshee' over the Bay of Bengal. DRDO sources said, more tests of the missile will be carried out tomorrow. <br/><br/>As a precautionary measure, the system also includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile. Barak-8 was successfully test fired twice on June 30th and once on July 1st. As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration had temporarily shifted 3,700 people residing within the 2.5 kilometer radius of the test.
News On AIR | September 20, 2016 8:13 PM
India successfully test fires long range surface-to-air Barak-8 missile off Odisha coast