The test-firing of the MRSAM from INS Mormugao (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: Three months after successfully fire-testing from INS Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy, on Tuesday, undertook the maiden medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) firing from INS Mormugao – its latest indigenous guided-missile destroyer, validating the missile’s capability to engage anti-ship missiles.
It has successfully carried out engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target.
The Navy public relations officer, Commander Vivek Madhwal, said: “The successful maiden MRSAM missile firing by INS Mormugao is yet another milestone in Indian Navy’s quest for accurate delivery of ordnance on target and showcases the Navy’s future-proof combat readiness and commitment towards [the government’s] ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ [push].”
It must be noted that MRSAM has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI), and produced at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
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On September 9, 2021, the Indian Air Force received the first deliverable firing unit of the MRSAM system. In December 2020, the DRDO launched the Army version of the MRSAM system from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
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In severe saturation scenarios, the cutting-edge missile system can hit multiple targets at a range of 70 kilometres.
The entire missile system comprises a combat management system, mobile launcher system, advanced long-range radar, mobile power system, radar power system, reloader vehicle, and a field service vehicle. The system is powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system.
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The development of the MRSAM system also represents India and Israel’s close collaboration. The partnership has played an important role in strengthening both countries’ defence industrial bases.
