IAI press release: note both DRDO and IAI chiefs were present as well as senior militrary officers from both countries. Top Israeli MOD officials also being present. Looks like NaMo govt push little harder this delayed project!
IAI Successfully Tested the Barak-8 Air & Missile Defense System
Nov 10, 2014
Barak-8 missile is launched during the test (archive)
Today at 07:20 (Israel time), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), conducted a successful test of the Barak-8 Air & Missile Defense System.
Barak-8 is an advanced groundbreaking air and missile defense system that provides ultimate protection against a variety of aerial platforms, both land and naval scenarios. It is designed jointly with the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) in India and is used by the IDF and the Indian defense forces. The system includes an advanced Phased Array digital radar, command and control, vertical launchers and missiles carrying a highly advanced seeker.
Barak-8 is regarded as an extensive project by the IMOD and is led by IAI, the prime contractor, in collaboration with IMOD's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), ELTA Systems Ltd.- IAI's group and subsidiary, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, and other defense industries.
The current test validated all components of the weapon system to the satisfaction of the customer representatives. Israeli specialists and Indian scientists, including IMOD's and DDR&D's representatives participated in the test, along with both countries' armed forces officers.
Joseph Weiss, IAI's President and CEO, who was present at the testing-site, said:" The system's impressive, advanced capabilities proven today in this complex test, are another testimony of IAI's resilience, advanced and groundbreaking capabilities. Barak-8 Air & Missile Defense System is a major growth engine for the company."
The scenario began with launching the target. After being detected by the System's radar, the weapon system calculated the optimal interception point, launched the Barak-8 missile into its operational trajectory that acquired the target, and successfully intercepted it. All the weapon system's components met the test's goals successfully.
Dr. Avinash Chander, Head of DRDO and Scientific adviser to the Indian defense minister, said: "This is an important milestone in the cooperation between India and Israel and in the development of the Barak-8 advanced air defense system."
Rear Admiral (Res.) Ophir Shoham, head of Research and Development directorate in the IMOD: "The Barak-8 project expresses a constructive cooperation between the Indian DRDO, the Israeli DDR&D and both countries' Defense Forces; together they have all pushed forward this important program, overcoming technological challenges and earning achievements along the way."
Boaz Levi, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Systems, Missiles & Space Group said: "We're very satisfied with the test results. Its success is an important example to the fruitful collaboration between IMOD, defense industries in Israel and our customers in Israel and abroad."
In the picture:
Barak-8 missile is launched during the test (archive)
For further information, please contact:
Eliana Fishler; Senior VP Communications; 972-3-935-8509, 972-54-434-2040;
efishler@iai.co.il
http://www.iai.co.il/2013/32981-46165-en/MediaRoom_News.aspx