Barak 8 (Hebrew: בָּרָק, lit. "Lightning"), also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM and Barak MX,[9][10][11] is an Indian-Israeli jointly developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as ballistic missiles,[12] cruise missiles and combat jets.[13] Both maritime and land-based variants of the system exist.[14]
Barak 8 is loosely based on the original Barak 1 missile and is expected to feature a more advanced seeker, alongside range extensions that will move it closer to medium range naval systems like the RIM-162 ESSM or even the SM-2 Standard. Israel successfully tested the improved Barak II missile on July 30, 2009. The radar system provides 360 degree coverage and the missiles can take down an incoming missile as close as 500 meters away from the ship. Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.[16] Parallel to the Barak-8, IAI has completed development and is manufacturing the Barak MX system that broadens the Barak into a multi-layered air defense system employing unified smart launchers carrying Short, Medium, and Extended-Range interceptors. The Smart Launcher supports flexible deployment architecture for land and naval applications. Unlike the Barak-8 system, the interceptors, and sensors were developed exclusively by IAI to meet specific requirements from domestic and foreign customers.[17]
Development
The joint development of the LR-SAM missile (then named Barak-II) began in 2006 with an investment of ₹2,500 crore (equivalent to ₹80 billion or US$930 million in 2023). The missile is meant to be deployed on Project 15A destroyers which would be enter service from 2012 onwards. The missile could be delivered to the Indian Armed Forces by 2013.[18]
As reported in late May 2010, another contract, worth ₹10,000 crore (equivalent to ₹250 billion or US$2.9 billion in 2023), was signed that year for the development of another variant – Medium Range SAM (MR-SAM) for the Indian Air Force to replace their in-service Pechora missiles. Another variant planned was 100-km range theatre defence version called the Extended Range SAM for the Project 15B destroyers.[18]
As per a report on 1 July 2010, replying to a query on the Indo-Israeli joint venture to develop a medium range surface-to-air missile, DRDO chief V. K. Saraswat told The Economic Times, "More than 70 per cent of the content in the missile being developed with Israel would be indigenous."[19]
As per a report in 2017, the development of the missile is taking place in India including cooperation the development of the homing system.[20]
On 3 October 2024, Bharat Electronics and Israel Aerospace Industries announced the formation of joint venture BEL IAI AeroSystems. It will serve as the exclusive point of contact for technical and maintenance related life cycle support of MR-SAM in Indian Armed Forces.[21]
Design (LR-SAM)
"LRSAM" redirects here. For the protein, see LRSAM1.
Barak 8 launcher module
The Barak 8 has a length of about 4.5 meters, a diameter of 0.225 meters at missile body, and 0.54 meters at the booster stage, a wingspan of 0.94 meters and weighs 275 kg including a 60 kg warhead which detonates at proximity. The missile has maximum speed of Mach 2[4] with a maximum operational range of 70 km,[13][22][23] which was later increased to ~90 km,[24] which was later further increased to 100 km.[6][7] Barak 8 features a dual pulse rocket motor as well as thrust vector control,[1] and possesses high degrees of maneuverability at target interception range. A second motor is fired during the terminal phase, at which stage the active radar seeker is activated to home in on to the enemy track. Barak 8 has been designed to counter a wide variety of airborne threats, such as anti-ship missiles, aircraft, UAVs drones and supersonic missiles.[25] When coupled with a modern air-defence system and multi-function surveillance track and guidance radars, such as the EL/M-2248 MF-STARAESA on board Kolkata-class destroyers, Barak 8 enables the capability to simultaneously engage multiple targets during saturation attacks.[8] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.[26]
Israel Aerospace Industries describe Barak 8 as "an advanced, long-range missile defense and air defense system" with its main features being:[8][27]
A land-based Firing Unit (FU) or a Battery consists of 1 Combat Management System (CMS), 1 Mobile Power System (MPS), 1 Advanced Long Range Radar, 1 Radar Power System (RPS), 3 Mobile Launcher Systems (MLS), 3 Reloader Vehicles (RV), Field Service Vehicle (FSV) and missiles.[28][29] Each launcher will have eight such missiles in two stacks and are launched in a canister configuration. As for ship-based launchers, the missiles are similarly stored in a 2×4 vertical launching system (VLS) modules.[30]
Variants
Medium Range-Surface to Air Missile (MR-SAM): The land-based configuration of the missile used by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. It consists of a command and control system, tracking radar, missile and mobile launcher systems. The system is also fitted with an advanced radio frequency (RF) Seeker. It has a range of 70 km according to the manufacturer IAI.[31][32]
Long Range-Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM): The ship launched version used by the Indian Navy with an enhanced range of 100 km capable of engaging targets like missiles, fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), helicopter and sea-skimming missile.[32][33] The LRSAM system includes multiple systems like advanced phased-array radars (MF-STAR), command and control systems, launchers (2×4 configuration), and missiles with advanced radio-frequency (RF) seekers.[30]
Barak-8ER: An ER (extended range) variant of the Barak 8 is under development, which will see the missiles maximum range increased to 150 km. Designed to engage multiple beyond visual range threats, the low launch signature Barak-8ER is understood to retain the same autopilot/inertial navigation system and active radar seeker guidance as the Barak-8, although some modifications to the software and to the missile control surfaces are likely. The booster increases the length of the missile at launch from its current 4.5 m to nearly 6 m, although the length in flight after the booster has been jettisoned may be slightly less than the base Barak-8 missile, if a TVC is not present. The missile diameter and fin spans are thought to be the same as the base Barak-8. The booster weight is currently unknown, although the missile's weight after the booster has been jettisoned is the same as that for the current Barak-8 configuration. Levy said that initial operational capability (IOC) for Barak-8ER will first be declared for the naval variant, followed by IOC for the land variant. He declined to comment on a launch customer for Barak-8ER, but noted "existing Barak-8 customers will be interested in this configuration because it offers additional capability to their current system".[1]
Israeli-marketed Barak MX
Israel Aerospace Industries has its own brochure for its variants of Barak-8, stylized as the BARAK MX. Not many characteristics are formally described, however, the Israeli firm introduces its BARAK MX with 3 major versions:[34]
BARAK MR (MRAD): 35 km-ranged version using a single-pulse rocket motor.[35]
On 14 May 2010, the LR-SAM (also called Barak-II during that time) was successfully test fired in Israel at an electronic target and met its initial objectives. The second test of the missile was planned to be held in India sometime later that same year.[18]
On 10 November 2014, the Barak 8 was successfully test fired in Israel with all integrated operational components for both marine and land systems. "The current test validated all components of the weapon system to the satisfaction of the customer representatives". It was the first involving a full operational scenario.[38] The scenario began with launching the target. After being detected by the system's radar, the weapon system calculated the optimal interception point, launched the Barak 8 missile into its operational trajectory that acquired the target, and successfully intercepted it. All the weapon system's components met the test's goals successfully.[39]
On 26 November 2015, a successful test was conducted against a fast-moving jet-powered drone by the Israeli Sa'ar 5-class corvette INS Lahav. This was also the first test done from a naval ship, and also confirmed the range extension from the previous 70 km to ~100 km.[40][6]
On 29 and 30 December 2015, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired Barak 8 LRSAM from INS Kolkata (D63).[41][42] Two missiles were fired at high speed targets, during naval exercises undertaken in the Arabian Sea.[43][44]
On 30 June 2016, India test-fired a land based version of the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile for the first time from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, successfully hitting the target pilotless target aircraft (PTA) at 8:15 AM IST.[45] the missile was again test fired for second time around noon where it again successfully hit a pilotless target aircraft over the Bay of Bengal. The test-firing of the missile was jointly carried out by Indian defence personnel, DRDO and IAI.[46][47][48][49]
On 1 July 2016, the MR-SAM (land-based version) was tested for the third time from the ITR at Chandipur in India, at 10:26 AM IST and the missile successfully hit a pilotless target aircraft, proving its reliability.[50]
On 20 September 2016, India successfully test fired the Barak-8. The long range missile was launched from a mobile launcher at the ITR in Chandipur at around 10:13 AM IST.[51]
On 25 December 2016, Azerbaijan successfully tested the missile.[52]
On 10 February 2017, Israel Aerospace Industries test fired the missile at sea to verify its capabilities.[53][54]
On 16 May 2017, the Indian Navy successfully test fired the MRSAM variant from INS Kochi (D64).[55][56] According to a report, the course of the test was described as, "launch and engagement of the target, MFSTAR radar aboard the Indian naval ship identified the airborne threat and tracked it over its flying course, data was sent to the command center of the weapon system which launched the intercepting missile into orbit, having been successfully launched, the missile navigated itself to the target during flight it engaged the target, aligned its course, hit it and destroyed it, successfully demonstrating all the goals assigned to each component".[30]
On 29 November 2017, the Indian Navy test fired again the MRSAM from INS Kochi (D64).[57]
On 25 January 2019, the Indian Navy test fired the LRSAM from INS Chennai (D65) against an incoming aerial target flying at a low altitude.[58]
On 15 May 2019, the MRSAM variant was first operated in their full Joint Taskforce Coordinating (JTC) mode by the Indian Navy via their 2 Kolkata-class destroyers: INS Kochi (D64) and INS Chennai (D65). The JTC mode implements the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) of the Barak-8 MRSAM system. Both ships launched the missiles but only 1 was doing the actual engagement role. The demonstration was done on India's western seaboard.[5]
On 23 November 2020, the missile was successfully tested by India from ITR at Chandipur when a Banshee unmanned air vehicle (UAV) was hit mid-air. The entire mission trajectory from the launch to plunging into the sea was monitored by various radars and electro-optico instruments.[59]
On 22 March 2021, Israel Aerospace Industries successfully test fired Barak ER (extended range) interceptor with 150 km range and 30 km altitude.
On 27 March 2022, DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of the Indian Army version of MRSAM at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The first launch was to intercept a medium altitude long range target and second launch was for proving the capability of a low altitude short range target.[60]
On 30 March 2022, DRDO again conducted two successful flight tests of the Indian Army version of MRSAM at ITR, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha within 3 days. The launches were carried out establishing the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system against targets covering the sea skimming and high altitude functionality within the envelope. With the conclusion of flight trials for different ranges and scenarios, the system has completed its development trials.[61][62][63]
In November 2022 the first successful test from an Israeli Sa’ar 6-class corvette was made.[64]
Deployment (India)
Orders
2006: Development contract and order, worth ₹2,500 crore (equivalent to ₹80 billion or US$930 million in 2023), for LR-SAM (then, Barak-II) for Indian Navy's Kolkata-class destroyer.[18]
February 2009: Israel signed a $1.1 billion or ₹10,000 crore (equivalent to ₹250 billion or US$2.9 billion in 2023) contract to supply an upgraded tactical Barak 8 air defence system to India for the MR-SAM system with deliveries expected by 2017.[65][66] The order included purchase of 18 firing units (9 suqadrons) of MRSAMs for the Indian Air Force along with 450 missiles. The deal also oncluded the developmental cost for the weapon system.[67][68][33]
February 2017: The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, cleared a deal to acquire MR-SAM system for the Indian Army worth around $2.5 billion. Deployment of the system was expected by 2023. The order included the purchase of five regiments (8 firing units each) with 40 firing units and 200 missiles for ₹17,000 crore (equivalent to ₹240 billion or US$2.8 billion in 2023).[20][69][70][67] The order worth $1.6 billion was placed by the Indian Army in April 2017. This marked the largest single purchase in IAI' history. The order also included misiles for the Navy's INS Vikrant.[69][71]
On 21 May 2017, IAI received an order of $630 million from the Indian Navy to equip four ships of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer with the LR-SAM system. The order was executed along with BEL. The missile was already operational with the Indian Air Force and Navy.[30][72][73]
On 5 September 2018, MDL and GRSE awarded Bharat Electronics with a ₹9,200 crore (equivalent to ₹120 billion or US$1.4 billion in 2023) contract to supply seven Barak-8 LR-SAM air defence systems for Nilgiri-class frigates. In October 2018, Bharat Electronics signed a $777 million deal with Israel Aerospace Industries to help fulfil the Barak-8 order.[74][75]
In January 2019, Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard and IAI struck a ₹6,800 crore (equivalent to ₹85 billion or US$980 million in 2023) deal to deliver LR-SAM for INS Vikrant and provide maintenance and other services for various MSRAM sub-systems.[29][68]
In July 2019, the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems awarded a $100 million contract to Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) for the production of 1,000 MR-SAM missile kits for the Indian Army and Air Force orders.[76][77] KRAS announced that it had begun delivery of the first batch of MR-SAM missile kits to BDL on 16 March 2021.[78][79]
On 16 January 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with BDL for the supply of over 70 MRSAM missiles for the Indian Navy at a cost of around ₹2,960 crore (US$340 million).[80][81]
Production
For the missiles meant for the Indian Armed Forces, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is the lead integrator of the missile. Components of the missile is manufactured by Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture between the Kalyani Group and Rafael, at Kalyani Rafael's plant in Hyderabad, Telangana before being sent to Bharat Dynamics Limited for further integration.[76][77] The Combat Management System is for the system is designed and manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems.[78][79] With a $100 million investment, BDL built a new production facility in Hyderabad to produce MRSAM and LRSAM missiles. The factory manufacture 100 missiles annually. Rafael, Elta, L&T, Bharath Electronics (BEL), and other private companies are among the other contractors working on the MRSAM.[33]
On 9 September 2021, the first Firing Unit was delivered to the Indian Air Force following which, the first MRSAM Squadron was operationalised at Jaisalmer Air Force Station in the presence of Indian Defence MinisterRajnath Singh.[28][82] It was reported that IAF had plans to acquire 9 squadrons of MRSAM with 24 firing units (or batteries) and a total of 2,000 missiles.[83][29]
In February 2023, the first MRSAM regiment of the Indian Army was raised under the aegis of XXXIII Corps under the Eastern Command. The MRSAM Weapon System was operationally named as Abhra Weapon System.[81][84]
In October 2023, it was reported that another MRSAM squadron was deployed at Adampur Air Force Station. Previously, in 2021, an S-400 squadron was also deployed at the same base.[83][85]
As of 2016, the Israeli Navy has commenced equipping its Sa'ar 5 corvettes with the system, the first re-fitted vessel being the INS Lahav. The Sa'ar 4.5 flotilla will be next for the upgrade.[87]
Middle East Eye quoted an unnamed official from an unnamed country stating that a Barak 8 operated by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces intercepted an Iskander missile shot by Armenia towards Baku towards the end of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, adding that the firing of the Iskander convinced the Azerbaijan government to accept a ceasefire.[88] Whether Armenia used any Iskanders during the war is disputed: there were reports on social media of Armenia using the Iskander, but the Russian Defense Ministry said Armenia didn't fire any Iskanders, and Azerbaijan stated it didn't detect any Iskander launches during the war.[89]
On 2 July 2022, Barak 8 missiles launched from the Sa'ar 5-class corvette INS Eilat shot down two reconnaissance UAVs operated by Hezbollah over the Israeli off-shore Karish gas field in the Mediterranean sea.[90]
Operators
Map with Barak 8 operators in blue
Current operators
Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan bought 12 Barak 8 missile systems along with 75 missiles.[91][92][93]
Morocco: $500 million contract for Barak MX air defense missile systems signed in February 2022.[96] First deliveries of the systems reported to have happened in mid-2023.[97]
Greece: Contract signed between IAI and Hellenic private companies for the construction of the anti-missile defense network "Hellenic Lightning Shield" using the Barak MX[100]
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