Indian Air Force Successfully Tests Homegrown SAMAR Air Defence Missile System

New Delhi: In a major demonstration of its internal design and development prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed SAMAR air defence missile system. The trials, conducted during the Astrashakti-2023 exercise at Air Force Station Suryalanka, mark a significant milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The SAMAR system, conceived by an IAF unit under the Maintenance Command, transforms outdated Russian-origin air-to-air missiles into potent surface-to-air defensive weapons. During the trials, it achieved all firing objectives across various engagement scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness against aerial threats.

This cutting-edge system boasts impressive capabilities, including supersonic speeds reaching 2 to 2.5 Mach and a versatile twin-turret launch platform. The platform can fire single or salvo rounds of missiles, adapting to diverse combat situations. The exercise marked the first official deployment of the SAMAR system, allowing it to undergo vital operational field testing.

The successful trials garnered the attention of top brass, with Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal A P Singh witnessing the system's performance. Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, Chief of IAF Maintenance Command, further acknowledged the efforts of the team behind SAMAR, visiting the Suryalanka air base to commend officers and personnel involved in its development.

The SAMAR project aligns perfectly with the Indian government's push for greater self-reliance in defence production. Not only has the Maintenance Command achieved success with this system, but it has also actively pursued indigenous spares and equipment for various aircraft and ground-based weaponry. Additionally, collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is vital for enhancing the serviceability of key fighter jets like Su-30 and MiG-29.

The SAMAR air defence system, emerging from the 7 Base Repair Depot in Delhi, serves as a testament to the IAF's unwavering commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities through internal innovation. This successful test-firing marks a crucial step towards strengthening India's air defence infrastructure and achieving greater autonomy in critical defence technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• IAF successfully conducts test-firing of indigenously developed SAMAR air defence missile system.

• System utilizes repurposed Russian missiles and demonstrates capability against diverse threats.

• Successful trials represent major milestone in Indian self-reliance efforts within defence industry.

• System aligns with government initiatives to promote indigenous defence production.

• IAF Maintenance Command plays pivotal role in development and testing of SAMAR.