Exercise Astrashakti: IAF Successfully Test Fires 'SAMAR' Air Defence Missile System

The missile system participated in AstraShakti-2023 for the first time to test its surface-to-air weapon systems and carry out its operational field trials.

The missile system participated in AstraShakti-2023 for the first time to test its surface-to-air weapon systems.

Source : X/@ANI

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has successfully testfired its in-house designed and developed Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defence missile system, which was developed by IAF using its old Russian-origin air-to-air missile systems.

The missile system participated in AstraShakti-2023 for the first time to test its surface-to-air weapon systems and carry out its operational field trials, reported ANI.

"The Indian Air Force has carried out the successful firing trials of its in-house designed and developed SAMAR air defence missile system during exercise AstraShakti-2023 at Air Force Station Suryalanka held recently. The air defence system 'SAMAR' (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) has been developed by a unit under the IAF's Maintenance Command," the IAF officials told ANI.

They said the missile system successfully achieved firing trial objectives in different engagement scenarios.

According to the IAF officials, the system can engage aerial threats with missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach. The SAMAR system consists of a twin-turret launch platform with the capability of launching two missiles in single and salvo mode, depending on the threat scenario, they added, as reported by ANI.

The performance of the missile system has already been witnessed by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh.

The SAMAR air defence system has been developed by the 7 BRD, based in the national capital.

According to the report, the IAF carried out successful missile firing of the other weapon systems as well and achieved significant success in it.

The Indian Air Force has been working towards the Narendra Modi government's directives for promoting self-reliance.

The Maintenance Command has also achieved significant success in indigenizing multiple spares and equipment used in fighter jets, transport aircraft, choppers and ground-based weapon systems, reported ANI.