Successful trials of MRSAM by DRDO and Indian Army demonstrate operational capability in intercepting aerial threats effectively.
| Photo Credit:
HANDOUT_E_MAIL
The Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) was successfully tested in four trials as it intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets at long-range, short-range, high-altitude and low-altitude, proving its operational capability.
These trials have shown the operational capability of both Eastern and Southern Commands of taking down aerial threats such as fighter aircrafts, incoming missiles and drones, and paved the way for deployment of the mobile weapon systems in two regiments of the Army.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army conducted these trials over two days from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha since Thursday, said the Ministry of Defence.
The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits, said the Ministry on the outcome of the trials. Though the Ministry did not reveal the range of the MRSAM, sources said it’s effective till about 70 km.
The flight-tests were carried out with the weapon system in operational condition in the presence of senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
The MRSAM is developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries for use by the Indian Army. The MRSAM Army weapon system comprises multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher system and other vehicles.
The performance of the weapon system was validated through the flight data captured by range instruments like radars and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Army and the industries for the successful flight-tests.
Four successful tests have re-established the capability of the weapon system in intercepting targets at critical ranges, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat complimented the teams involved in the successful flight-trial, terming it a major milestones for building operational capability of the Indian Army.
The Army version of the MRSAM, built on a high mobility vehicle, was displayed at the Republic Day parade, last year. The Air Force also has its version of MRSAM.
Published on April 4, 2025