On December 23, 2020 India successfully conducted the first army variant test of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The missile has been jointly developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) & Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
i.The army variant includes a command post, a multi-function radar & mobile launcher system.
ii.The missile fired from a mobile launcher hit its target ‘Banshee’ an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) accurately.
iii.The 2nd Test of the Missile is set to be carried out on December 24, 2020.
Gist of MRSAM:
i.MRSAM is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile. It is 4.5 meters long & weighs 276 kgs.
ii.It is capable of carrying payloads of upto 60 Kg.
iii.It has a strike range of 100 kms and speed of Mach 2 (supersonic).
iv.The Missile’s launching platform includes MFSTAR (Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar) for detection, tracking & guidance of the missile.
v.It is capable of neutralizing airborne threats like jets, missiles, rockets & projectiles.
Other variants:
MRSAM has both Land & Maritime variants. The maritime variant is being used by both Indian Navy & Israel Navy.
Recent Related News:
i.On October 3, 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired a new version of nuclear-capable Shaurya missile from the Abdul Kalam Island test range off Dhamra, Odisha to a target in Bay of Bengal.
About Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO):
Chairman – Dr G Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters – New Delhi
