3 minute read
YEREVAN, JUNE 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is particularly interested in the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, a collaborative project between India and Israel, also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM, Bulgarian military reports.
“As Armenia slowly shifts away from relying solely on Russian arms suppliers, Yerevan is adopting more favorable domestic and international policies. Reports indicate that Armenia is particularly interested in the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, a collaborative project between India and Israel, also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM,’’ reads the article.
The Indo-Israeli surface-to-air missile Barak 8 is a collaborative development between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization [DRDO] and Israel Aerospace Industries [IAI]. It is designed to provide a robust air defense solution against a variety of aerial threats. The missile is part of a larger system that includes a multifunctional surveillance and threat alert radar, a command and control system, and mobile launchers.
In terms of dimensions, the Barak 8 missile is approximately 4.5 meters in length and has a diameter of about 0.225 meters. It weighs around 275 kilograms, making it a relatively lightweight missile capable of being deployed on various platforms, including naval ships and land-based launchers.
“It seems that Armenia is looking for more modern and more effective equivalents of the surface-to-air missile systems currently used by the Armenian army. Armenia currently operates the S-300 surface-to-air missile system, which is considered one of the primary equivalents to the Barak 8 in terms of capability.
Additionally, Armenia has acquired the 9K33 Osa surface-to-air missile system. Although older than the Tor-M2KM, the 9K33 Osa is still effective in providing short-range air defense against aircraft and helicopters. It is a self-propelled system, which enhances its operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities,” reads the article.
According to IDRW.org, Armenia has shown interest in the Akash-NG, an advanced variant of the Indian Akash missile system.
“While Armenia has already acquired an earlier version, the Indian government has not yet approved the production of the Akash-NG. This means if Armenia wishes to purchase the Akash-NG, it might take at least three years.
Given these factors, Armenia is weighing its options between the MR-SAM and Akash-NG. Sources from IDRW.org reveal that the MR-SAM is currently favored due to its immediate availability and established production capabilities,” it reads.