Israel AeroSpace Proposes LRSAM Co-Development, Should India Partner Again After Barak-8 Experience

The recent AeroSpace Services India (ASI) event in New Delhi saw a renewed push for collaboration between India and Israel on a next-generation air defence system.

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), emphasized the potential for building upon the successful development of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system.

Successful Precedent: The MRSAM​

The MRSAM, currently in service across the Indian Armed Forces, offers a range of 70-90 kilometers and is designed to counter a multitude of aerial threats.

This system serves as a testament to the successful history of defense technology collaboration between India and Israel.

Ambitious Vision: A Long-Range System​

Levy's suggestion hints at a more ambitious project centered around a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM). Such a system would significantly extend India's air defense reach, bolstering its capabilities against potential adversaries.

Collaborative Complexities​

The proposal, however, carries a degree of complexity. Despite India's contribution of dual-pulse motor technology during the MRSAM's joint development, Israel later created the export-oriented Barak-8 variant.

This version incorporated Israeli technology in place of the Indian motor and featured design alterations. This development raised concerns about potential future supply issues and India's long-term reliance on systems where Israel retains a high degree of control.

India's Indigenous Efforts​

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively pursuing its own LRSAM program.

This indigenous initiative aligns with the nation's broader push for self-sufficiency in defense technologies and is intended to complement the advanced S-400 air defense systems acquired from Russia.

Questions of Collaboration and Self-Reliance​

The Israeli proposal underscores a key question for India: How much emphasis should be placed on collaborative defense development with foreign partners versus focusing on bolstering its indigenous capabilities?

While collaborations offer potential technological gains and resource sharing, India's past experience highlights the importance of ensuring long-term control and avoiding undue reliance on external supply chains.

 

[beencensured]

Can you point me to a source for the first part of what you said. I am unaware of this info and would like to read more.

"Propulsion power for the missile will be provided by a dual pulse rocket motor developed by DRDO. The prototypes were delivered to IAI for final assembly, along with other systems to produce the complete missile.

The rocket motor provides high manoeuvrability at target interception range throughout the wide envelope of the missile."Naval Technology, March 26 2012
Naval Barak-8 Missiles, Israel
Naval Barak-8 is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system being developed jointly by the IAI and DRDO of India.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

"Propulsion power for the missile will be provided by a dual pulse rocket motor developed by DRDO. The prototypes were delivered to IAI for final assembly, along with other systems to produce the complete missile.

The rocket motor provides high manoeuvrability at target interception range throughout the wide envelope of the missile."Naval Technology, March 26 2012
Naval Barak-8 Missiles, Israel
Naval Barak-8 is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system being developed jointly by the IAI and DRDO of India.

No, I mean about the part where Israel cheated india, by replacing indian components from the system and then exporting without including India in supply chain.

 

[Rajesh]

If Israel can replace Indian systems and develop their own version( barak-8)and sell why don't india do the same and replace Israel systems and develop our system and sell. Should have been done a long time ago.

 

[sandy 007]

I think we must go ahead after all Israel has given many technological edge to India but India also must talk to them to Co develop over all system it should not be limited to only one party both should develop and both should sell. Infect we should engage Israel in more high altitude Surface to Air missile system with high Frequency sensor and Communication devices and Avionics which should be for dual use may be for the 500 to 600 KM range missile defense system like Russia. not for 300 to 400 Km range.
India should now try to co-develop big drone with Israel were both should Co develop sensor and next generation small AESA radar on it and with netcentric devices and avionics that can be useful for our own unmanned fighter aircrafts also.
Israel is no doubt a good partner but when your partner is knowledgably strong then we must forget some small disadvantages also.
Infect We must try to develop cutting edge metallurgical technologies with them also which can withstand high temperature also.