Mumbai, May 17: The Indian Navy on Friday achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its Anti-Air Warfare Capability with the maiden cooperative engagement firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by Indian Naval Ships Kochi and Chennai wherein the missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges. The firing trial was carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries.

“The successful conduct of the test has been the result of sustained efforts by all stakeholders over the years. DRDL Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries,” said the Indian Navy in a statement.  The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, India. India-Russia Sign $3 Billion Deal For Lease of A Nuclear Submarine.

Indian Navy's Tweet:

These Surface to Air Missiles are fitted onboard the Kolkata Class Destroyers and would also be fitted on all future major warships of the Indian Navy. With the successful proving of this cooperative mode of engagement, the Indian Navy has become a part of a select group of navies that have this niche capability. This capability significantly enhances the combat effectiveness of the Indian Navy thereby providing an operational edge over potential adversaries.

Last month, the Defence Ministry signed two contracts worth Rs 6,311 crore each with Cochin Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) for construction and supply of 16 anti-submarine shallow watercraft (ASWSWCs) for the Indian Navy. The first ship is expected to be delivered within 42 months from the date of contract signing and subsequent ships delivery will be scheduled two ships per year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2019 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).