The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : In a significant boost to India’s air defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army on Saturday conducted four successful flight tests of the Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM). The tests were carried out from the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missiles effectively intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets, registering direct hits in all four missions. The tests were conducted in varying operational scenarios, including long-range, short-range, high-altitude, and low-altitude engagements. This comprehensive testing has validated the versatility and robustness of the MR-SAM system in countering diverse aerial threats under realistic combat conditions.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that the flight tests were executed with the complete weapon system in operational configuration, demonstrating its readiness for deployment. The successful interception of targets in all four scenarios showcases the system’s capability to provide multi-layered air defence to the Indian Army’s critical assets and formations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, congratulating DRDO, the Indian Army, and the involved industries for the landmark success. “The four back-to-back successful tests re-establish the reliability and accuracy of the MR-SAM weapon system in engaging targets at various ranges and altitudes,” Singh said in a statement. He added that the achievement is a reflection of India’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The MR-SAM system has been developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with production support from Indian defence industry partners. It comprises a state-of-the-art radar, command and control system, mobile launchers, and interceptors equipped with advanced guidance and control technologies.
Military analysts believe the successful demonstration of the MR-SAM’s capabilities further strengthens India’s layered air defence network and enhances its preparedness to tackle emerging threats from unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, and precision-guided munitions.
This series of successful flight trials not only validates the operational readiness of the MR-SAM system but also reinforces the credibility of indigenous defence manufacturing and research capabilities.
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