Indo-Israeli medium range surface to air missiles handed over to IAF

The MRSAM system provides point and area air defence for ground assets against a wide range of threats including fighter aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, guided and unguided munitions, sub-sonic and supersonic cruise missiles .

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the joint efforts of DRDO, IAI, various inspection agencies, and public and private industry partners in developing the state-of-the-art missile system.

“With the handing over of the MRSAM system to IAF, we have taken a giant leap towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will prove to be a game changer in the air-defence-system,” he said.

Singh stressed on the need for a strong military, and said the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security and overall development of the country.

He described the development of MRSAM system as a shining example of the close partnership between India and Israel, adding that handing over of the system to IAF has taken this decades-old friendship to greater heights.

"It has played an important role in strengthening the defence industrial base of India and Israel," he said.

The MRSAM (IAF) is an advanced network centric combat Air Defence System developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry comprising of private and public sectors including MSMEs.

The MRSAM system provides point and area air defence for ground assets against a wide range of threats including fighter aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, guided and unguided munitions, sub-sonic and supersonic cruise missiles.

It is capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70 kms in severe saturation scenarios.

The missile is powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system for achieving high manoeuvrability during the terminal phase.

The firing unit comprises of Missiles, Combat Management System (CMS), Mobile Launcher Systems (MLS), Advanced Long Range Radar, Mobile Power System (MPS), Radar Power System (RPS), Reloader Vehicle (RV) and Field Service Vehicle (FSV).

Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were also present at the handing over.