The Barak 8 is an advanced, medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by Israel and India. Designed to provide comprehensive air defense against a wide array of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and missiles, Barak 8 represents a significant technological achievement in modern defense systems. Here’s a detailed look at its development, features, performance, and capabilities.
Development and History
The Barak 8 missile system, also known as LR-SAM (Long Range Surface to Air Missile), was developed under a collaborative program between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Indian Ministry of Defence, and the Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project began in the early 2000s and culminated in the successful testing and deployment of the system in the 2010s.
The missile’s development was driven by the need for a modern, versatile air defense system capable of defending naval and land-based platforms from various aerial threats. The system is intended to replace older air defense systems such as the Soviet-origin S-125.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Development Time | Early 2000s – 2010s |
| Collaborators | Israel Aerospace Industries, DRDO |
| Primary Purpose | Air and missile defense |
| First Test | 2006 |
| Deployment | 2017 (India) |
Technology and Features
Barak 8 boasts cutting-edge technology with several key features that make it highly effective against a variety of threats. It integrates sophisticated radar, advanced guidance, and control systems. The missile employs active radar homing for terminal guidance, allowing it to lock onto targets with high precision.
The system is also designed to be highly mobile, offering defense flexibility for both naval and land applications. Its radar system, known as the MF-STAR, is a multi-functional active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enabling it to track multiple targets simultaneously.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Guidance | Active Radar Homing (ARH) |
| Radar System | MF-STAR AESA Radar |
| Targeting Range | Up to 100 km |
| Missile Length | 4.5 meters |
| Warhead | High-explosive, fragmentation |
Range and Speed
The Barak 8 missile is designed to intercept and neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, such as incoming aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs, at a significant range. It has an effective interception range of around 70 to 100 km, depending on the version and deployment scenario. It is capable of operating at high speeds, reaching speeds of up to 2.5 Mach during interception.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Range | 70 – 100 km |
| Speed | 2.5 Mach (approx. 3,062 km/h) |
| Altitude Range | Low, medium, and high altitudes |
Launch Platforms
Barak 8 is a versatile missile system capable of being launched from various platforms. The primary platforms include naval ships, land-based defense systems, and even integration into fighter aircraft. The system can be integrated with Indian Navy’s Kolkata-class destroyers, INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, and land-based defense systems for air defense.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Naval Platforms | Kolkata-class destroyers, aircraft carriers |
| Land-based Systems | Mobile launchers for quick deployment |
| Airborne Platforms | Integration into aircraft for tactical operations |
Barak 8 for Air Defense
The primary role of the Barak 8 is air defense, protecting critical assets such as naval ships, land bases, and strategic infrastructure. Its multi-layer defense capability allows it to counter a variety of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, missiles, drones, and even swarming UAVs. The missile system is part of India’s broader integrated air defense program and is expected to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces.
| Capability | Details |
|---|---|
| Threats Countered | Aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles |
| Defense Layer | Medium-range, surface-to-air |
| Operational Countries | India, Israel (primary users) |
Global Partnerships
Barak 8 has been a significant development in terms of international cooperation. While the missile system was primarily developed by Israel and India, there have been discussions and potential agreements with other countries regarding its deployment. Israel’s defense partnerships with countries like Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Singapore have shown an interest in acquiring similar systems.
| Country | Details |
|---|---|
| Israel | Original developer, primary user |
| India | Major user, deployer of Barak 8 |
| Azerbaijan | Interested in acquiring Barak 8 |
Barak 8 Variant: Barak 8ER
The Barak 8ER (Extended Range) is a variant of the original Barak 8 system, designed to provide extended reach for air defense operations. It features improved propulsion systems, enabling it to intercept targets at distances greater than the original Barak 8, with an extended range of approximately 150 km.
| Variant | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Range | Up to 150 km |
| Improvement | Longer range and improved propulsion |
| Operational Use | Targeting advanced, high-speed threats |
Recent Developments and Testing
In recent years, Barak 8 has undergone several rounds of upgrades and testing. The missile system has seen successful live-fire tests from various platforms, including the Indian Navy, and its deployment continues to increase. One of the most recent milestones in Barak 8’s development was the successful test of the Barak 8ER in 2022, expanding the missile’s operational envelope.
| Test Year | Details |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Successful test of Barak 8ER with extended range |
| 2023 | Integration of Barak 8 on Indian warships |
Barak 8 Missile Range
The Barak 8 missile system has a remarkable range, offering medium-range air defense capabilities. Its effective interception range is typically between 70 to 100 kilometers, depending on the version and the platform it is deployed on. The Barak 8ER (Extended Range) variant has an even greater range of up to 150 kilometers, providing enhanced defense for larger areas, particularly useful for naval and land-based defense applications.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Range | 70 – 100 km |
| Extended Range (Barak 8ER) | Up to 150 km |
Barak 8 Missile: Which Country Uses It?
The Barak 8 missile system is primarily used by Israel and India. Israel, as the developer, uses the missile for its naval and air defense operations, while India has adopted it for both its naval forces and land-based defense systems. The system’s versatility has made it an attractive option for other nations, with Azerbaijan and Vietnam showing interest in acquiring it.
| Country | Details |
|---|---|
| Israel | Primary developer and user |
| India | Major user, including naval and land systems |
| Azerbaijan | Interested in acquiring Barak 8 |
| Vietnam | Exploring procurement options |
How Many Barak 8 Missiles Does India Have?
India has acquired a significant number of Barak 8 missiles as part of its integrated air defense strategy. The missile system is deployed on various platforms such as INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, Kolkata-class destroyers, and land-based defense systems. However, the exact number of Barak 8 missiles in India’s inventory is not publicly disclosed, as it is a matter of national security.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Missiles | Exact number classified |
| Deployment Platforms | Naval ships, land-based systems |
Barak 8 Missile Cost
The Barak 8 missile system is estimated to cost between $1.5 million to $2 million per unit, depending on the specific version and the platform on which it is deployed. This price point includes the cost of the missile, associated radar systems, and launch platforms. The system’s high cost is justified by its advanced technology, versatility, and effectiveness in modern air defense roles.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost per Unit | $1.5 million to $2 million |
| Factors Affecting Cost | Version, deployment platform, system integration |
Barak 8 Missile Speed
The Barak 8 missile is capable of reaching speeds of up to 2.5 Mach (approximately 3,062 km/h), which allows it to intercept fast-moving aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. This speed, combined with its radar guidance system, makes it highly effective in countering multiple types of air and missile threats.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2.5 Mach (approx. 3,062 km/h) |
Barak 8 vs Yakhont
When comparing the Barak 8 missile with the Yakhont (also known as the P-800 Oniks), there are notable differences. The Yakhont is a supersonic cruise missile developed by Russia, with a focus on anti-ship operations. It has a longer range (300 km) compared to the Barak 8‘s 70-100 km range, but the Barak 8 is faster (2.5 Mach vs. 2.9 Mach) and more versatile in its air defense role. The Barak 8 is designed to counter a broader range of threats, including aerial threats like drones and missiles, while the Yakhont focuses mainly on anti-ship missions.
| Parameter | Barak 8 | Yakhont (P-800 Oniks) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 2.5 Mach | 2.9 Mach |
| Range | 70-100 km (Barak 8), 150 km (Barak 8ER) | 300 km |
| Primary Role | Air defense, multi-threat counter | Anti-ship, anti-surface warfare |
Barak 8 Israel
The Barak 8 missile system was originally developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with India. Israel uses the system primarily for naval defense, deploying it on its Sa’ar-class corvettes, and to enhance the air defense capabilities of its military. The Barak 8‘s development is part of Israel’s broader strategy to enhance its defense technology and provide solutions to both domestic and international customers.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
| Primary Users | Israel Navy, Israeli Armed Forces |
| Deployment Platforms | Naval ships, land-based systems |
Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile
The Barak 8 is primarily a surface-to-air missile (SAM), designed to intercept and neutralize airborne threats in the medium-range category. It is equipped with advanced radar systems and active radar homing, enabling it to track and destroy targets in various environments, including at sea and over land. The missile provides protection against enemy aircraft, UAVs, and incoming missiles.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) |
| Guidance | Active Radar Homing (ARH) |
| Radar System | MF-STAR AESA Radar |
| Interception Range | 70-100 km (Barak 8), 150 km (Barak 8ER) |
Table Overview In a Glance
Barak 8 Missile Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium to long-range surface-to-air missile |
| Place of Origin | India, Israel |
| Service History | In service from 2016 − present |
| Used By | Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Israeli Navy, Azerbaijan Air Force, Royal Moroccan Army, Cypriot National Guard |
| Designer | Israel Aerospace Industries, Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems |
| Developed Into | Barak MX |
| Produced | 2017 − present |
| Mass | 275 kg (606 lb) (without booster) |
| Length | 4.5 m (180 in) (without booster) |
| Diameter | 0.225 m (8.9 in) at main missile body, 0.54 m (1 ft 9 in) (Barak-8ER version initial-stage rocket motor) |
| Wingspan | 0.94 m (3 ft 1 in) |
| Warhead | 60 kg |
| Detonation Mechanism | Hard kill |
| Engine | Smokeless dual pulsed rocket motor; 1-stage or 2-stage rocket variants |
| Operational Range | 0.5 km – 100 km (single-stage rocket) version: Barak-8 LRSAM 0.5 km – 150 km (2-stage rocket) version: Barak ER |
| Flight Ceiling | 16 km (9.9 mi) (LRSAM variant) 20 km (12 mi) (Barak LRAD & MRAD) 30 km (19 mi) (Barak ER) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2 (LRSAM variant) Mach 3 (MRSAM variant) |
| Guidance System | 2-way datalink with WCS Active radar homing Infrared Homing Guidance |
| Launch Platform | 8-cell VLS module, 8-cell double stacked land launcher |
Conclusion
The Barak 8 missile system represents a significant leap in modern air defense technology, combining advanced radar, guidance systems, and high-speed interception capabilities. Its versatility, global partnerships, and continuous improvements make it a valuable asset for nations looking to safeguard their airspace and maritime borders. With further upgrades like the Barak 8ER, it is poised to remain a critical element of India and Israel’s defense strategies for years to come.
Read More : Brahmos Missile
FAQs on Barak 8 Missile System
1. What is the range of the Barak 8 missile?
The Barak 8 has a maximum range of around 70 to 100 km, and its extended variant, Barak 8ER, can reach up to 150 km.
2. Which countries use the Barak 8 missile?
The Barak 8 missile system is primarily used by Israel and India, with potential interest from countries like Azerbaijan and Vietnam.
3. What is the speed of the Barak 8 missile?
The Barak 8 missile can reach speeds of up to 2.5 Mach, making it highly effective in intercepting fast-moving targets.
4. How much does the Barak 8 missile cost?
The cost of a Barak 8 missile is estimated to be between $1.5 million to $2 million depending on the configuration and the platform.
5. How many Barak 8 missiles does India have?
India has procured a substantial number of Barak 8 missiles, including those deployed on the Navy’s warships and future land-based air defense systems. Exact figures remain classified.
Read Also : Operation Sindoor