Navy to get Barak missiles from Israel

MUMBAI, APRIL 12: Israeli manufactured Barak missiles are expected to increase the lethal power of Indian Navy. In its upgradation project...

MUMBAI, APRIL 12: Israeli manufactured Barak missiles are expected to increase the lethal power of Indian Navy. In its upgradation projects, the Navy proposes to deploy the missile system and has already carried out technical feasibility trials.

“The price negotiations are under way with Israel. The vertical launch guided missile has the capability of destroying the enemy missile in the air itself and is designed to achieve very short reaction time,” an official in the Western Naval Fleet said.

The Navy destroyers are at present using the Volna missile system. “The aircraft today avoid coming close to the target and fire from a stand off distance to avoid anti-aircraft fire. Though the Volna has a longer range (almost 30 kilometrs) for future engagements, we are looking at swifter reaction. And after the technical trials we feel Barak is an effective system,” he added.

Story continues below this ad

The Navy has also bought Sacu digital communication system from Israel. “Advanced and state-of-the art. This step by step retrofitting in our destroyers and frigates will keep the fleet modern and contemporary for a longer time,” another official said. The Navy has also acquired integrated technical display system from the United Kingdom. The upgradation is beginning with the Western Fleet, often described as the sword arm of the Navy.

Naval Science and Technology scientists are also working on the torpedo tubes and fire control system of the German-made submarines at the Mumbai port. “This apart from three submarines which are already in Russia for their upgradation,” he added.

Rear Admiral Suresh Mehta, flag officer commanding of the Western Fleet, said price negotiations were still under way with Russia for the purchase of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov. “INS Viraat has completed its first phase of upgradation at Cochin. There it had to be dry docked. Now the second phase has begun and the ship would by ready by early 2001,” he said.

On the deployment of Barak missiles, a naval officer said it could be deployed on either the Ranbir, Ranvijay and any of the five destroyers of the class or could even be considered for other frigates.