Navy successfully test fires surface-to-air missile

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

During the firing carried out in the Arabian Sea, the missile was fired against a live low flying high speed target. The target was successfully engaged and destroyed, a Navy official said.

Aircraft Carrier #INSVikramaditya carries out successful maiden firing of Surface-to-Air missile during WF Op Readiness Ex @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/Wux87b9LbR

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 24, 2017

The firing was conducted as part of the '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 flee, said the official.