India Successfully Test Fires Long Range Surface to Air Missile in its Maiden Firing

New Delhi. India has successfully test fired its newly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR SAM) in its maiden firing from the Indian Navy’s Western Seaboard.

The firing was undertaken by INS Kolkata December 30, wherein the missile successfully intercepted an Aerial Target at extended ranges. With this development, Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its Anti Air Warfare (AAW) capability.

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 firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years. DRDL Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with IAI. The LR SAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

These Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) are fitted onboard the Kolkata Class Destroyers and would also be fitted on all future major warships of the Indian Navy. This missile along with the MF STAR would provide these ships the capability to neutralise aerial threats at extended ranges. With the successful proving of these systems, Indian Navy has become part of a select group of Navies that have this niche capability, which would provide a fillip to our Maritime Operations.