The Indian Army has successfully conducted a series of acceptance tests for the Barak-8 missile, marking its operational readiness for deployment across the Indian armed forces.
The medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) had already been integrated into the Indian Navy and Air Force following earlier proof-of-concept trials.
During the tests, the Barak-8 system achieved direct hits and intercepted four aerial threats moving at various speeds, altitudes, and ranges.
Co-developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Barak-8 system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited along with other domestic defense firms in India.
“The Barak System provides advanced and innovative defense against a wide range of air and missile threats. The success of these tests strengthens the technological cooperation between our countries and reflects our partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defense, as well as with industries in both Israel and India,” said IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy.
Barak-8 MRSAM
India’s Ministry of Defence procured the Barak-8 MRSAM under a $1.6-billion deal in 2017, followed by a $777-million order for its long-range variant in 2018.
In January 2025, New Delhi ordered over 70 MRSAMs from Bharat, where they will be deployed on several future Indian warships.
“To support the ongoing deployment, IAI has established local companies in India to ensure continuous maintenance and technological support,” the company reported in its press release.
The Israeli-Indian system provides comprehensive defense and protection against a wide range of air and missile threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
It is equipped with an advanced multi-mission radar, a command-and-control system, mobile launchers, and interceptor missiles with a range of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles).
