IDD Update
India successfully conducted the first test of Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) which will be part of a robust air defence system.
The Missile with a strike range of 100 kms has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in a collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The new generation missile is aimed to neutralise airborne threats — jets, missiles, UAV’s, rockets, including projectiles launched simultaneously. The missile can travel at ‘Mach 2’.
The test conducted Dec 23 was a ‘direct hit’, said a statement of the Indian Ministry of Defence. Number of range instruments such as Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking System were deployed and captured the complete mission data, validating the weapon system performance including the destruction of the target. The Missile was tasked to target an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Banshee which mimicked an attacking combat aircraft.
It was tested in full ‘operational configuration’ from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea on the east coast of India. The ground systems include a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MFSTAR) for detection, tracking, and guidance of the missile. The MRSAM Naval version is already deployed.
What is the MRSAM
Akash was the country’s first automated air defence system with a range of some 18 to 25 kms, the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) will soon be the first indigenous on-the-move air defence system. It has been tested for 30 kms range. The MRSAM will sit above the two thanks to its greater range hence can engage targets further away.
MRSAM comprises several systems, including a digital radar, command and control, launchers, and interceptors with homing seekers. It is operational air-defense system (ADS) used by Israel’s navy as well as by India’s naval, air and ground forces. IAI has worked in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), IAI’s ELTA group, RAFAEL the missile maker and additional industries in India and Israel.
QRSAM racing towards induction
The indigenous QRSAM is expected to be ready for production next year. The QRSAM is a critical requirement for the Army, which has been looking to replace existing air defence systems. The QRSAM is to be accompany the Army’s Strike Corps.
Its radar and control systems are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Larsen & Toubro (L&T ) has made the launcher and the missiles have been made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE) had added the fuzes.
The system can be carried on Ashok Leyland 8×8 vehicles. The launcher has six missiles and can target six different targets in 360 degrees.
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