Indian Air Force successfully test-fires indigenous 'SAMAR' air defence missile system

The Indian Air Force has achieved another milestone in advancing its indigenous innovation capabilities by successfully test-firing the SAMAR air defence missile system, as per reports on Sunday, December 17. This marks a major success in its domestically designed and developed capabilities. 

The SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) system utilises technology derived from former Russian-origin air-to-air missile systems and was developed by a unit under the IAF's Maintenance Command.

Successful firing trials during AstraShakti-2023 exercise

IAF officials informed ANI, “The Indian Air Force has carried out successful firing trials of its in-house designed and developed SAMAR air defence missile system during exercise AstraShakti-2023 at Air Force Station Suryalanka, held recently. The air defence system 'SAMAR' has been developed by a unit under the IAF's Maintenance Command.”

The inaugural participation of the SAMAR system in the exercise aimed to validate its surface-to-air weaponry and conduct operational field trials. Reports indicate that the missile system efficiently met the objectives across diverse engagement scenarios, demonstrating its capabilities.

Operating specifications and flexibility

Operating within a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach, the SAMAR system has the capacity to effectively engage aerial threats. Comprising a twin-turret launch platform, this system exhibits the flexibility of launching two missiles in a single or salvo mode, adapting to varying threat scenarios.

The success of the missile system was witnessed by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh, and IAF Maintenance Command chief Air Marshal Vbhas Pande. Commending the efforts behind this indigenous innovation, Air Marshal Vbhas Pande, as per the report, visited the Suryalanka air base to meet with the crew involved in developing the SAMAR system.

Not confined to this achievement,as per reports, the Indian Air Force also demonstrated its capabilities in firing other weapon systems during the exercise, showcasing its success in various domains.

Towards self-sufficiency in defence technology

Aligned with the directives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to bolster self-reliance, the Indian Air Force has consistently promoted its stance to enhance indigenous capabilities. Prior reports also indicate substantial progress in indigenizing multiple spares and equipment used across fighter jets, transport aircraft, choppers, and ground-based weapon systems by the Maintenance Command. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between base repair depots and HAL aim to enhance the serviceability of Su-30 and MiG-29 jets, among others, in the Indian Air Force fleet.

The SAMAR air defence system, a product of relentless dedication, is the brainchild of the 7 BRD based in the national capital, showcasing India's progression towards self-sufficiency in defence technology.