India successfully test-fires two missiles

Balasore (Odisha), Sept 20 (PTI) In a major achievementaimed at galvanising its air defence capability, India todaysuccessfully test-fired two long range surface-to-air missiles(LRSAM) jointly developed with Israel from a base off Odishacoast. The sophisticated missile, a product of joint venturebetween India and Israel, was first test launched from amobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range (ITR) atChandipur at around 10.13 hrs, while the second LRSAM wastest-fired at about 14.25 hrs, defence officials said. "Both the trials were successful as the missiles hit thetarget directly," said a scientist associated with theproject. In both the tests, the state-of-the-art missilesdestroyed the aerial target, he said. Apart from the missile, the system includes a MultiFunctional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF-STAR) fordetection, tracking and guidance of the missile, officialssaid, adding the missile along with MF-STAR would provide theusers the capability to neutralise any aerial threats. Earlier, between June 30 and July 1, 2016, threeconsecutive test firing of the medium range surface-to-airmissile, jointly developed by India and Israel were conductedfrom the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)base at Chandipur. The missile guided by armoured seeker hadsuccessfully hit the last minute manoeuvring target. Indian Navy had also successfully test launched the longrange surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM). The test was undertakenon the Western Seaboard by INS Kolkata on December 30, 2015. These missiles would be inducted into all three servicesafter trials were completed. Many Indian companies like BEL, L&T, BDL and TATA group ofcompanies besides other private industries have contributed tothe development of a number of subsystems which have been putinto use in this flight test. As a safety measure, Balasore district administration inconsultation with defence officials had temporarily shifted3,652 people residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch padNo 3 of ITR at Chandipur to nearby temporary shelter centresthis morning to ensure a safe launch of the missile, adistrict revenue official said. Fishermen engaged in sea fishing along the Bay of Bengalin three Odisha coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak andKendrapara were asked not to venture into the sea during thetime of the test launch. PTI COR SKN PRSMJ