To boost India's maritime prowess, the Navy has successfully conducted the maiden trial firing of newly installed surface-to-air Barak missile system from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
During the firing carried out in the Arabian Sea, the missile was fired against a live low flying high speed target.
The target was successfully engaged and destroyed, on March 22nd.
The firing was conducted as part of the 'Operational Readiness Inspection' of the Western Fleet by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, from 21 to 23 March.
The missile marks a significant milestone in providing air interception and defence capabilities and enhanced operational capabilities of the Navy's aircraft carrier and the flee.
INS Vikramaditya: Know More- The 44,500 tonne carrier was commissioned into the Navy in November 2013.
- It was commissioned at Severodvinsk in Russia and was originally scheduled to have the long range surface- to-air missile system under joint development with Israel.
- But delay in its development resulted in the carrier being inducted into the force without its own air defence system, and forcing it to rely on support ships in the carrier battle group for air cover.
