Navy successfully test-fired Barak missile from INS Vikramaditya

The Indian Navy successfully test-fired the short-range Barak surface-to-air missile from the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The firing was conducted between 21 March and 23 March 2017 as part of the 'Operational Readiness Inspection' of the Western Fleet by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command.

During the firing carried out in the Arabian Sea, the missile was fired against a live low flying high speed target. The Indian Navy officials confirmed that Barak engaged and destroyed the target successfully.

Barak Class Missiles are jointly developed by India and Israel.

About INS Vikramaditya

• INS Vikramaditya was acquired from Russia for over Rs 15000 crore rupees.

• The deal for the warship was signed in 2004 during the NDA-I regime.

• The aircraft carrier was dedicated to the nation after nearly 10 years on 16 November 2013.

• The ship was commissioned by the then Union Defence Minister AK Antony at Sevmash shipyard of Russia.

Key Features of INS Vikramaditya

• Length of the ship is about 284 meters

• Beam of  the ship is about 60 meters

• It has a total of 22 decks and carries 1600 personnel.

• It is capable of sustaining in the sea for about 45 days.

• It is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier.

• It was named after the legendary emperor Vikramaditya, who ruled India about 2100 years ago.