The Indian Navy successfully completed a first cooperative engagement firing of the Medium-Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), the country’s MoD stated on May 17, 2019.
The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by Indian Navy INS Kochi (D63) and INS Chennai (64) Kolkata-class destroyers wherein the missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges. The firing trial was carried out by the Indian Navy, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
« With the successful proving of this cooperative mode of engagement, the Indian Navy has become a part of a select group of Navies that have this niche capability. This capability significantly enhances the combat effectiveness of the Indian Navy thereby providing an operational edge over potential adversaries, » the Indian MoD declared.
The Hyderabad Defence Research and Development Laboratory, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with IAI. The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, India.
Based on the IAI Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, the MRSAM is fitted on the Kolkata Class Destroyers and would also be installed on the future seven Project 17A-class frigates under a $1.28 billion contract placed in September 2018. Besides the Indian Navy, the MRSAM air defence system is in service with Israel’s Navy, as well as India’s air and ground forces.
