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 launched at 10:13 AM from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in Balasore district.
The 4.5-meter missile weighs around 3 tonnes and can carry a payload of 70 kilograms.
The system also includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.
Defence sources said, the missile swung into action after getting a signal from the radars to intercept a moving aerial target supported by an unmanned air vehicle ‘Banshee’ over the Bay of Bengal. The sources said, more tests of the missile will be carried out today and tomorrow.
As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration had made adequate arrangements to temporarily shift 3,700 people residing within the 2.5 km radius. The fishermen were also asked not to venture into the sea during the launch.
Barak-8 was successfully test fired twice on June 30th and once on July 1st.