Article Posted on : - Mar 27, 2017

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya carries out successful maiden firing of Barak surface-to-air missile during Western Fleet Operational Readiness Exercise. An Indian Navy photo via Twitter

NEW DELHI (PTI): In a boost to India's maritime prowess, the Navy has successfully conducted maiden test firing of the newly installed surface-to-air Barak missile system from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

During the firing carried out in the Arabian Sea on March 24, the missile was fired against a live low-flying high speed target.

The target was successfully engaged and destroyed, a Navy official said.

The firing was conducted as part of 'Operational Readiness Inspection' of the Western Fleet by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, from 21 to 23 March.

The missile marks a significant milestone in providing air interception and defence capabilities and enhanced operational capabilities of the Navy's aircraft carrier and the fleet, said the official.