In a significant triumph for its indigenous design and development capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has proudly announced the successful test firing of its Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defence missile system. This accomplishment marks a milestone for the IAF’s strategic self-reliance efforts.
AstraShakti-2023: The Testing Ground
The IAF conducted the successful firing trials of the SAMAR air defence missile system during the AstraShakti-2023 exercise at Air Force Station Suryalanka. This exercise provided the platform for the SAMAR missile system to showcase its capabilities in real-world scenarios.
Development Background
SAMAR is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile system, ingeniously crafted by the IAF’s 7 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 11 BRD, in collaboration with Simran Flowtech Industries and Yamazuki Denki. Notably, the system repurposes old Russian-origin Vympel R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles, demonstrating an innovative approach to maximize existing resources.
Operational Success
The SAMAR air defence missile system, equipped with refurbished Vympel R-73E infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, has been validated for induction. Its operational field trials showcased its effectiveness with a range of 12km against low-level flying aerial targets, including UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets.
Repurposing Vympel R-73E Missiles
The IAF, faced with an inventory of thousands of Vympel R-73E missiles that had reached the end of their flight shelf life for fighter jets, ingeniously repurposed them for the SAMAR system. This strategic move not only extends the utility of these missiles but also contributes to sustainable defense practices.
Astrashakti Debut
The SAMAR system made its debut during the Astrashakti exercise at Suryalanka Air Force Station, successfully meeting the firing trial objectives in diverse engagement scenarios. This participation underscores the system’s readiness and effectiveness in real-world deployment.
Key Features of SAMAR
IAF officials highlight that the SAMAR system can engage aerial threats with missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach. The system is equipped with a twin turret launch platform, offering the capability to launch two missiles in single and salvo mode based on the threat scenario.