Israeli Navy successfully tests improved Barak missile
30 Jul 2009
The Israeli Navy successfully tested the Barak surface-air-missile system some days back intercepting an incoming "enemy" missile. Sources said the interceptor missile was an improved version of the Barak missile that will be installed on all Israeli missile ships.
According to Israeli defence sources, the enemy missile, fired from a missile corvette, was intercepted and completely destroyed by a Barak missile launched from another Sa'ar 5-class missile ship.
The test took place in the Mediterranean Sea.
It may be noted that in course of the Second Lebanon War, a Hezbullah-fired Chinese C-802 missile struck another Sa'ar 5-class missile corvette, INS Hanit, killing four sailors. It was claimed that the ships radar systems had been deactivated due to poor intelligence and its Barak system was not functioning.
Israel Aerospace Industries is currently in the final development stages of the Barak-8 missile, which is scheduled to become operational next year. The new missile will reportedly feature a more advanced seeker and be capable of longer ranges.
India and the Barak-8