In a major achievement for the Indian Navy, INS Kochi and INS Chennai successfully test fired Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) in a maiden cooperative engagement firing.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the firing was undertaken on Western Seaboard wherein missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges.
“Firing trial was carried out by Indian Navy, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries,” the Ministry said.
“The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years,” the statement added.
“With the successful proving of this cooperative mode of engagement, the Indian Navy has become a part of a select group of Navies that have this niche capability,” said the MoD, adding that the success of the test gives operational edge to the Indian Navy’s combat abilities over potential adversaries.
The test was carried out on 15 May.
The missile has been jointly developed by DRDL Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries.
Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, three of these Surface to Air Missiles are currently fitted onboard the Kolkata Class Destroyers and would also be fitted on all future major warships of the Indian Navy.