Israel Aerospace Industries on Tuesday delivered the first Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missile to the Indian Navy. Barak 8 is a maritime defense system that has long-range water and land engagement capabilities allowing it to intercept all types of aerial targets, such as subsonic and supersonic missiles, fighter aircraft, maritime patrolling aircraft, helicopter and sea skimming missiles. According to IAI, the Barak 8 interceptor can engage multiple targets simultaneously, "in severe saturation scenarios" and independent of the weather, making it one of the most advanced projectiles of its kind. Over the past few years, IAI has signed several deals with India for the supply of the Barak 8 family of defense systems. In recent months alone, the volume of transactions reached $2.5 billion. The first LRSAM missile was presented to Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley is a festive ceremony in Hyderabad, the capital of southern India's Telangana state and a major center for the technology industry. The projectile was developed jointly by IAI and India's Defense Research and Development Organization, and is slated to be installed in India's new missile ships, which have recently became operational. Jaitley praised the collaboration between India and Israel on the development of advanced technology. "This is a historic day for India, in which our navy becomes the proud owners of one of the most sophisticated systems in the world. This system will help the Indian Navy protect our country. India needs to be prepared for any scenario. Therefore, we should equip our operational forces with the best of advanced technology. The delivery of the first missile coming out from the indigenous production line is an example of the Indian economy and industry capabilities. We must continue developing the local infrastructure and manufacturing as part of our defense capabilities," he said. IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of Systems, Missiles & Space Group Boaz Levy said that "the delivery of the first missile manufactured in India to India's defense arms is a technological dream come true. It is another exciting step in the many-years collaboration between IAI, India's government, India's DRDO and other partners and one that reflects a technological and engineering effort of the highest level." IAI and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems together with Indian defense contractor Baharat Dynamics have established a joint production line in India for the LRSAM program. The local production line, built as part of New Delhi's "Make in India" policy, integrates Israeli and Indian technology.
