2 missiles test-fired

Balasore (Odisha), Sept 20 

In a major achievement aimed at galvanising its air defence capability, India today successfully test-fired two long range surface-to-air missiles (LRSAM) jointly developed with Israel from a base off Odisha coast.

The sophisticated missile, a product of joint venture between India and Israel, was first test launched from a mobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at around 10.13 hrs, while the second LRSAM was test-fired at about 14.25 hrs, defence officials said.

“Both the trials were successful as the missiles hit the target directly,” said a scientist associated with the project. In both the tests, the state-of-the-art missiles destroyed the aerial target, he said.

The system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF-STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile, officials said, adding the missile along with MF-STAR would provide users the capability to neutralise aerial threats. Earlier, between June 30 and July 1, 2016, three consecutive test firing of the medium range surface-to-air missile, jointly developed by India and Israel were conducted at Chandipur. — PTI