India's newly developed surface-to-air missile 'Barak- 8' successfully test-fired off Odisha coast

New Delhi: India on Thursday successfully test-launched its newly-developed surface-to-air ballistic missile from a defence base off Odisha coast.

Surface-to-Air ballistic missile, Barak-8, was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off Odisha coast this morning.

Barak-8, developed in collaboration with Israel, was test fired from launch pad no-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at 8:16 am, said reports.

The four-meter long ballistic missile, which can hit the target within a range of 70 km, weighs 275 kg and can carry a payload of 60 kg.

Apart from the missile, the system includes a multi-functional surveillance and threat alert radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.

The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was deferred at the last moment and postponed for today.

According to reports, the test-firing of the missile was jointly carried out by Indian defence personnel, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.

As a precautionary measure, Balasore district administration, in consultation with defence officials, had made adequate arrangements to temporarily shift 3,652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad No 3 of the ITR during trial time, officials said.

A district revenue official said seven hamlets have been identified within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad and people living there have been alerted through public address system to shift to nearby shelter camps arranged by the administration.

Fisherman engaged in sea fishing along the Bay of Bengal in three coastal districts Balasore, Bhadrakh and Kendrapada were warned not to venture into the sea during test launch time.