During a significant tour of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood on a deck that concealed a powerful defensive asset: the Barak-8 missile system. Integrated into the ship’s vertical launch system (VLS), this advanced missile is a key component of Vikrant’s ability to project power and secure India’s maritime domain.
INS Vikrant represents a new era of indigenous naval capability. Beneath the prime minister’s feet lay the heart of its air defense – 32 launch cells containing the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile. This formidable weapon is designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles from a distance of up to 100 kilometers. This comprehensive air defense capability makes the carrier uniquely self-sufficient, eliminating the common reliance on escort ships for protection, a feature highly valued by naval strategists.
The Barak-8 missile, developed jointly by India and Israel, is a testament to advanced defense technology. Its Hebrew name, ‘Barak,’ translates to ‘lightning,’ reflecting its rapid and decisive engagement capability. The missile operates with remarkable autonomy, utilizing its own radar system for target detection, tracking, and lock-on. It is launched vertically from its cell, achieving speeds of over 2,500 kilometers per hour. This missile, measuring 4.5 meters in length and weighing 275 kilograms, carries a 60-kilogram warhead and can engage targets at altitudes up to 20 kilometers. Its precision and effectiveness are maintained even in adverse weather, ensuring mission success.
The INS Vikrant is a 40,000-ton behemoth, capable of sustaining speeds of 30 knots and carrying a substantial air wing of 26 MiG-29K fighters and eight helicopters. However, its true strategic advantage lies in its self-defense capabilities, particularly the integrated Barak-8 VLS system, which observers have likened to that of a ‘mini-destroyer.’ This autonomy empowers India’s naval operations and reduces dependence on foreign military hardware. The successful deployment of the Barak-8 underscores the success of India-Israel defense collaborations and advances India’s goal of self-reliance in defense. As INS Vikrant cruises the Indian Ocean, it stands as a powerful symbol of India’s growing maritime strength and its readiness to defend its interests.