The 4.5-meter long ballistic missile weighs around 270 kg and can carry a payload of 60 kg. Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MFSTAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.
Capable of intercepting incoming aerial threats up to a range of 70 km, the MRSAMs can be deployed to protect sensitive defence bases, metro cities and other important installations like nuclear stations. The MRSAM system which is yet to get a specific name provides reliable air defence at medium range. Travelling at a speed of Mach 2 the missile can identify and destroy airborne threats like jets, missiles and rockets, including projectiles launched simultaneously. A contract of Rs 10,076 crore for MRSAM was signed in February 2009. The MRSAM is a variant of long range surface to air missile (LRSAM), dubbed as Barak-8, that the DRDO and IAI are developing for the Navy. The project worth Rs 2,606 crore for Navy was signed in December 2005 and first test of the missile was conducted in November 2014. As precautionary measures the district administration will shift residents of seven hamlets that fall within 2.5 km radius of the test facility. Adequate arrangements have been made to shift 3,652 persons to temporary shelters prior to the missile tests. While security has been beefed along the coast for the test and patrolling intensified, fishermen of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapada districts have been asked not to venture out into the sea during test period. Meanwhile, the DRDO officials have conducted successful test flights of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Banshee twice on Thursday and once on Friday. Two dozens of Israeli scientists are camping here for the last more than a week for the tests. First test of the MRSAM was conducted on June 30. |