BARAK SAM
The Barak SAM is an integrated system intended to destroy incoming anti-ship missiles. The system comprises of the 10 km-range interceptor missile, an eight-tube IAI/Rafael-developed vertical-launch system, an EL/M-2221 STGR [Search, Track & Guidance/Gunnery Radar] and an Elbit fire-control system capable of automatic operation, with the ability to engage two targets simultaneously. It features very low level flight capability, high fire power and a large kill radius. The system is fully operational day & night, and even in adverse weather conditions. The missile is launched vertically with a full 360ú azimuth coverage and features a Command to Line-Of-Sight (CLOS) narrow, pencil beam radar guidance system that assures extended ECCM [Electronic Counter Counter Measures] immunity to enemy EW [Electronic Warfare] countermeasures. The guidance system enables accurate interception of both high and low flying threats, even in severely unfavourable, cluttered or multi-path conditions. The missile's performance is further enhanced by the EL/M-2221 STGR, which has an extremely powerful signal and data processing capability that has been optimized for defence against all anti-ship threats, particularly sea-skimming missiles.
This missile system was short listed by the Indian Navy in 1994 [1] and the first batch of seven systems, approved by the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) in 1996, was followed by another approval in 2000 to install all seven systems onboard their respective platforms, initially announced as the P16/16A frigates and the aircraft carrier, INS Viraat. The acquisition was an evolution of an urgent Indian Navy requirement for a missile defence system, originally projected in 1988 to be DRDO's Trishul SAM. INS Brahmaputra was being built to accommodate the Trishul system, but even as the ship was being readied for launch, the latter had still not completed development. The ship eventually commissioned and was forced into a period which saw the vessel being equipped with no SAM system at all, until finally equipped with the Barak system a while later. At least 10 new Barak systems were to be purchased in follow-on batches.
The Barak incorporates a Rafael-developed advanced 22 kg blast fragmentation warhead that is optimized for penetration and detonation of enemy missiles. The warhead weight exceeds 22% of the 98 kg total missile weight - an unprecedented ratio in missile technology - giving it an effective large kill envelope, and the highest lethality against both soft and hard skin targets. The missile features a unique adaptive proximity fuse with a smart altimeter. This unprecedented sub-system allows unusually effective low level engagements. It incorporates a very short automatic engagement cycle that facilitates engagement of multiple threats, 'wave' and 'stream' attacks. It also has an alternative semi-auto mode that enables effective 'man-in-the-loop' operation. The missile's modular architecture facilitates integration with any existing or desired configuration of modern combat systems, including guns, leaving options for future growth and upgrading of the system. System configuration options include multiple Lines-of-Sight and a variable number of missiles. The missile is significantly more compact and lighter in weight than any other comparable existing system. Its space-saving design allows a wide range of installation options, suitable for existing and new vessels, from small strike craft to large ships. The Barak incorporates a maintenance-free, simple self-contained launcher with canisterized missiles based on the 'Wooden Round' concept. An extensive system BIT (Built-in-Test) assures high operational availability.
Initial test firings were carried out on 08 May 2003 and by 23 November 2003, press reports [2] indicated that two recent test firings of the Barak missile, off the coast of Mumbai, had resulted in failure of the first launch followed by a successful intercept. Nevertheless, a decision [3] to purchase the third batch of Barak systems for $100 million, was announced on 27 November 2003. Follow on press reports claimed on 17 December 2003, that a retrial would be conducted as the earlier tests had proven unsatisfactory. By 2005, final series of test firings had confirmed 100% hits on every type of anti-ship missile in the Indian Navy's inventory. INS Viraat was incorrectly assumed to be the first vessel to receive the system and misleading press reports would indicate that the ship received the Barak SAM as early as 1997. In reality, deck cutting for the VLS was completed only in early 2004 at CSL (Cochin Shipyard Ltd) while the ship was in refit. Final integration of the missile system among other weapon systems, commenced from August 2004 onwards. As of July 2005, confirmed recipients of the Barak system include two Type 15 Delhi Class destroyers, one (probably more) Type 16 Godavari Class frigate, three Type 16A Brahmaputra Class frigates, at least one Rajput (Kashin II) Class destroyer and the solitary aircraft carrier, INS Viraat.
On the Delhi Class, the two new EL/M-2221 STGRs replace the two MR-123-02 illuminators and perform as the fire control system for both the Barak SAM and the 30mm AK-630 CIWS, as does the single STGR on INS Viraat which replaces one Plessey Type 904 director. Aboard the latter, the two-screen console has been installed in the operations room. The entire Barak system is autonomous, automatically building an overall picture of the threat situation with automatic control of the engagement from detection to target destruction. Unlike other vessels, INS Viraat carries additional Barak rounds for reloads during operational deployment. One or more of the Rajput Class similarly have two of their aft MR-123-02s replaced by the STGR and their forward AK-630s replaced with the Barak, where the platform is elevated up to the height of the base of the STGR. On the P-16/16A frigates, the single EL/M-2221 STGR is installed directly above the bridge. This type has completely replaced the SA-N-4 Gecko with the Barak as the primary SAM system but carries only 24 missiles in 3 clusters of 8 VLS modules. IAI/Rafael have repeatedly offered to jointly develop a follow on Barak-2 [4] system, with a missile range of 70 km with Indian agencies but the actual status of the program is unknown. Live firings of the Barak-1 have been recorded on the Delhi Class destroyers, in particular, INS Mysore.
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The four main components of the Barak missile system.
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Barak missile being fired from its vertical launcher, during demonstration trials.
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Cells of the Barak vertically-launched, anti-missile-missile, point-defense missile system onboard INS Viraat. These images were taken out at Changi Naval base in Singapore on 21 July 2005.
Thanks,
Miro
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