Israel in talks with Morocco to sell Barak-8 missile jointly developed with India

Israel Aerospace Industries is reportedly in talks to sell Morocco the Barak 8 medium-range surface-to-air missile system , jointly designed and developed by Israel Aerospace (IAI) and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Israeli daily Jerusalem Post reported.

Despite reports that IAI Marketing Director Sharon Biton led the negotiation with Rabat, IAI refused to comment on the issue, the daily said adding that sources involved told it that such a deal had not yet been signed.

The Barak-8 MRSAM system is able to shoot down enemy aircraft at a range of 50-70 kilometers and is designed to defend naval vessels against a myriad of short-to-long-range airborne threats.

In 2017, the IAI and India had inked a USD 1.6 billion contract for MRSAM for India’s ground forces. The companies involved in the project include Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It has been made under `Make in India’ initiative.

The system, which has the capability to shoot down an enemy aircraft at a 50-70 range and provides ultimate protection against different aerial plaforms, was inducted in the Indian Air Forced in September last year.

It provides a 360 degree defence against various airborne threats and can engage multiple targets in all weather conditions as well as day/night.

It can be used to defend against helicopters, ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles, fighter jets, cruise missiles and UAVs.

Barak 8-MRSAM has advanced phased-array radar, interceptors with advanced RF seeker, command and control, and mobile launchers. The missile is powered by a locally-developed rocket motor and control system for high maneuverability in the terminal phase.

There are three variants of the Barak-8 system — Barak 8 AMD/LRSAM is a naval air defence system. It was originally designed for the Israeli Navy and is now being used by India and some other countries.

Israel has been among India’s top three arms suppliers during the last five years, according to a report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) in March 2021.

India’s top three arms suppliers during 2016-20 were Russia (accounting for 49% of India’s imports), France (18%) and Israel (13%). – INDIA NEWS STREAM