The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s newest air defense missile system has passed a series of test fires at Air Force Station Suryalanka in the country’s east.
The locally-developed Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) achieved its firing trial objectives during Exercise AstraShakti-2023.
The platform utilizes a twin-turret configuration capable of launching two missiles in both single and salvo modes.
Its missiles are able to operate at supersonic speeds of Mach 2 to 2.5.
The SAMAR was adapted from the Russian Vympel R-27 air-to-air missile system by IAF’s 7 Base Repair Depot in Tughlakabad, New Delhi.
Push for Local Manufacture
The indigenous capability, developed by IAF’s Maintenance Command, comes amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Make in India initiative pushing for a more self-reliant defense sector.
The program has boosted the country’s local research, development, and manufacturing of military arms and equipment.
Its more recent indigenous technologies include the ALS-50 kamikaze drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle that can carry a 23-kilogram (51 pounds) payload up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
The initiative comes with its drawbacks, however. Reports have stated that India is running out of military equipment because of the reduced imports of critical weapons.
Sources estimate that the IAF may reduce its fighter squadrons down to fewer than 30 by the next decade if the supply issues persist.
