What Is Barak 2 Defence System That Brought Down Pakistan's Fatah-2 Missile?
India's air defence systems are standing as the sentinel protecting the people as an unyielding barrier against a barrage of missiles and drones flying in from Pakistan. Be it the S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra', the Akash missile regiments, or the Barak 8 MR-SAM — all have proved their worth in the past few days.
On the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, Pakistan launched the famed Fatah-II short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). It is designed to avoid most aerial threat detection systems. However, it could not fly past the Barak-8 and was shot mid-air near Hisar, Haryana.
What Is The Barak-8 Defence System?
Developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak-8 missile system is an all-weather Long-Range Surface-To-Air Missile (LR-SAM). Barak literally means 'Lightning' in Hebrew. It was christened by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The Barak-8 is designed to defend against any type of airborne threat, including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, UAVs, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and combat jets. The Barak-8 operates alongside other advanced systems like the S-400 and Akash missiles.
The Barak-8 system boasts both land and naval variants, ensuring comprehensive protection for the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy. Since 'Operation Sindoor' is an integrated mission of the tri-services, Barak-8 has become an invaluable defence system for India.
Its advanced radar, command and control, and mobile launcher systems enable rapid detection and interception of high-speed threats, even at long ranges and varying altitudes.
Barak-8 Deployment And Use
The successful deployment of the Barak-8 is the result of years of dedicated research, international collaboration, and investments. With over 70% indigenous content, the missile exemplifies India's growing self-reliance in defence technology. Operational since 2016, the Barak-8 has undergone rigorous testing and continuous upgrades, culminating in its flawless performance during this week's escalating tensions.
The Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and DRDO's anti-drone technologies are used together seamlessly to create an aerial shield.
Key Features Of Barak-8
The Barak-8 is 4.5 m long and weighs 275 kg. The weight includes a 60 kg warhead, which is designed to detonate at proximity to target. Here are the key features of the Barak-8 missile.
Operational range: 100 km
Speed: Mach-3
Coverage: 360 degrees
Launch Type: Vertical
Communication band: Two-way data link (GPS S band)
Type: Active radar seeker missile
Multiple Simultaneous Engagements Capability: Yes
How Does The Barak-8 Work?
As per the DRDO, the Barak-8 defence system comprises a dual-pulse rocket motor and a thrust vector control. With 360-degree manoeuvrability, its target-interception capability is highly accurate.
A second motor is fired during the terminal phase, at which stage the active radar seeker is activated to home in on the enemy track.
india