The Defence Ministry announced on Friday that the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and the Indian Army successfully conducted four flight tests of the army version of the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) on April 3 and 4. The tests took place from an island off the coast of Odisha and targeted fast-moving aerial threats as part of the trials.

"The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits. The trials were carried out to intercept four targets at long-range, short-range, high altitude and low altitude, proving the operational capability," according to the ministry statement.

The flight tests were conducted with the weapon system fully functional and ready for use. "The performance of the weapon system was validated through the flight data captured by range instruments like radars and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur," it stated.

The flight tests from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island were carried out in the presence of senior officials from the DRDO and the Indian Army. The trials were carried out by the Indian Army from Eastern and Southern Commands under DRDO guidance.

"These trials have proven the operational capability of both Army Commands and paved the way for operationalisation of weapon systems in two regiments," per the statement.

The MRSAM has been co-developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries specifically for the Indian Army.

According to the Defence Ministry, the system includes a multi-function radar, command post, mobile launchers, and support vehicles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Army, and the industries involved for carrying out successful flight tests. He noted that the four successful trials have again proven the system’s effectiveness in hitting targets at key ranges.

According to the ministry, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat praised the teams behind the successful flight trial. He described the achievement as a “major milestone” in strengthening the Indian Army’s operational capabilities.