Israel Navy Test Fires Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile

The Israeli Navy has just completed its first successful launch of its Barak 8 surface-to-air missile. Developed as a collaboration between the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Barak 8 is a short to long range naval based missile intended to be launched from the sea. Although the Barak 8 will won’t be fully operational for another two years, Israel believes the missile system will allow them to protect their offshore gas fields from Hezbollah militants. During the initial test, a Barak 8 missile was launched from an Israeli ship and intercepted a drone device meant to simulate a hostile craft.

Although the Barak 8 is intended to increase the defense capabilities of Israel and India, the two countries are also considering selling the missile to other militaries.

“In addition to India and Israel, which are procuring it, other armies around the world have signed with IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) to procure the advanced system. Assembly line production of the missiles and their accompanying systems has already begun,”

IAI Program Director for Air & Missile Defence Systems Boaz Levy said.

“The recent trial has given the system a substantial boost among countries that are still considering whether to procure it, and we believe that in the coming years, we will increase the number of signed contracts for its procurement.”

The Barak 8 is immensely versatile and can be used for a number of different situations including everything from supersonic skimmers to high altitude targets. With an advanced radar guidance system, the Barak 8 can engage multiple targets no matter the weather. The Barak 8 also features a vertical launch system, which allows it to be easily integrated into existing and new ships.

1. john parker
2. Posted on December 8, 2015
aircrafts

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