The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully conducted four flight tests of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system on April 3 and 4, 2025, as per the Ministry of Defence. These tests took place at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast and targeted high-speed aerial threats at varying distances and altitudes, including long-range, short-range, high-altitude, and low-altitude scenarios.
Developed jointly with Israel, the MR-SAM system is designed to intercept and destroy hostile aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a 70-kilometre range. The recent trials aimed to validate the system’s operational capabilities under diverse conditions. According to the defence ministry, the missiles achieved direct hits on the aerial targets, confirming their effectiveness.
The tests were conducted under the guidance of DRDO, with participation from the Army’s Eastern and Southern Commands. Data from radars and electro-optical tracking systems at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur were used to assess the system’s performance. The successful completion of these trials paves the way for the MR-SAM system’s deployment in two Army regiments.
Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM)
A medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) is a defence system designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at distances typically between 30 to 100 kilometres. It serves as an essential layer of air defence, covering a broader area than short-range systems while being more responsive than long-range interceptors.
MR-SAMs are used to protect military installations, cities, and strategic assets from enemy air attacks. They are integrated with radar and command systems, allowing them to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. These missiles can be launched from land-based platforms or naval vessels, making them adaptable for different operational needs.
This particular MR-SAM system, also known as the next-generation Barak-8, has been inducted into the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In February 2023, the Army operationalised its first ‘Abhra’ MR-SAM regiment within the 33 Corps, responsible for defending the frontier with China in Sikkim and the Siliguri Corridor. The Navy has deployed MR-SAM systems on various vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and multiple destroyers. In January, the defence ministry signed a ₹2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd for the supply of over 70 additional MR-SAMs for frontline warships.
Other global MR-SAM Systems
- Patriot PAC-3 (USA) – Used by several nations for ballistic and aerial threat interception.
- S-350 Vityaz (Russia) – A modernised system replacing older Soviet-era air defence missiles.
- Barak-8 (India-Israel) – Designed for both land and naval platforms, providing all-weather protection.
- Aster 30 (France/Italy) – Part of Europe’s air defence network, capable of countering modern threats.
Operational Importance
MR-SAMs are becoming increasingly relevant as air warfare evolves. With the rise of stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, these systems help neutralise threats before they reach critical targets. Their integration with networked air defence ensures a coordinated response to multiple incoming attacks, strengthening overall security.
As countries continue to modernise their military capabilities, MR-SAMs remain a key component of layered air defence, providing a balance between coverage, response time, and interception capability.
