The Indian Navy is reportedly set to integrate Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles on the recently commissioned Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata.
The missiles, built in collaboration with Israel, have completed trials, paving the way for integration on INS Kolkata in April or May, NDTV reported.
With a capability to intercept approaching anti-ship missiles at a range of approximately 70km, they are being built at the Indian Government-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited and feature Israel’s MF-STAR radar system and rocket motor from India.
The MF-STAR radar system can simultaneously track hundreds of airborne targets up to a 250km range.
Barak-8 missiles will also be installed on INS Kochi and INS Chennai, the second and third warships of the Kolkata-class.
Commissioned in August 2014, INS Kolkata is the Indian Navy’s first domestically built vessel and has a maximum cruise speed of 30k. It can accommodate around 30 officers and 300 sailors.
The 6,800t anti-submarine warfare vessel features ATM-based integrated ship data network, auxiliary control systems and an automatic power management and combat management system.
It also features a flight deck and enclosed hangar for two medium-lift helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv and AgustaWestland Sea King.
