Balasore: Barak-8 missile, developed in collaboration with Israel, is set to be test-fired for two consecutive days–June 29 and 30—from Launch Pad-3 of Chandipur-based Integrated Test Range in this district, defence sources said.
The surface-to-air missile is designed to defend any type of airborne threat including aircraft and helicopters, they added.
The missile has been jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure.
According to defence experts, the missile, which has been tailor-made to be fired from air, water and land, is capable of destroying submarines, missiles and warships.
All necessary preparations have been for the missile test. Sources said as a precautionary measure, the ITR authority would evacuate the villagers surrounding one to 2.5 km radius, around the launch complex.
The district administration has asked 2,880 people of Khadupada, Kusumuli Pahi, Jaydev Kasba Pahi, Bhimpur Pahi and Sahada Nagar areas to move to temporary camps at Khadusahi UP school, Khadu and Kali temple at 9 Mile Ghat Coast Canal along with their domestic animals.
The administration has made arrangements for free food and even cash compensation for the families at the camps which will run from 6 am till 6 pm.
According to defence sources, Israel had successfully test-fired the 4-metre long missile November 10, 2014 while India had test-fired it November 26, 2015.
Besides, the Indian Navy had made its successful test-firing December 29 and 30 in 2015, the sources said. PNN
