Balasore, Odisha. A Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Balasore off Odisha Coast June 30.
The MRSAM is jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) of Israel for the Indian Air Force. The missile guided by a radar system and on-board avionics successfully hit a pilotless target aircraft.
Many Indian industries like Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, TATA group of companies besides other private industries have contributed to the development of a number of subsystems which have been put into use in this flight test. The MRSAM system provides reliable air defence at medium ranges.
Both, Indian and Israel teams participated in the launch campaign. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated DRDO and the industry partners for successful demonstration of the air defence capability. Secretary, Department of Defence, Research & Development and DG, DRDO Dr S Christopher declared the launch as a major milestone for the IAF towards air defence.
President Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile.
In a message to DRDO Director General Dr S Christopher, the President has said: “I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel.
The nation is proud of the achievement made by the DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost India’s indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas.
Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, and all others involved in this mission. Our nation is grateful for their hard work and proud of their achievement.”
