Context:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test fired the ‘SAMAR’ air defence missile system recently.
Relevance:
GS III: Defence
Dimensions of the Article:
- SAMAR Air Defence Missile System: Enhancing Aerial Protection
- Key Facts about Akash Missile (SAM) Defence System
SAMAR Air Defence Missile System: Enhancing Aerial Protection
- Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) is a short-range air-defence system.
- Developed by a unit under the IAF’s Maintenance Command.
Capabilities:
- Maximum range of 10–12 km.
- Targets low-flying aerial threats.
- Missile speed: 2 to 2.5 Mach.
SAMAR-1 System:
- Utilizes the IAF’s shelf-life-expired Russian Vympel R-73E infrared-guided air-to-air missiles (AAMs) for the surface-to-air role.
- Twin-turret launch platform launches two missiles in single and salvo modes.
- Each launcher equipped with a visible electro-optic system.
- Expected to replace ageing Pechora and OSA-AK systems, complementing Akash and SPYDER systems.
Key Facts about Akash Missile (SAM) Defence System:
- Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM) Defence System developed by DRDO.
- Simultaneously engages multiple targets, including UAVs, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and missiles from helicopters.
- Built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features.
- Configured for static or mobile platforms, providing flexible deployment.
- Road and rail transportable, quick mobilisation and deployment.
- Engages aerial targets up to a range of approximately 25 km.
