India has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a multi-layered air defense system, with the Barak 8 missile system at its core. Also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM, Barak 8 is a surface-to-air missile system jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India. It is engineered to intercept a wide range of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and combat jets.
India’s defense strategy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which emphasizes domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance. Although Barak 8 is a collaborative effort with Israel, it is expected to play a vital role in India’s layered defense network due to its operational readiness and proven effectiveness.
The Indian government aims to provide comprehensive security coverage to all strategic facilities by 2035. This goal is being pursued through the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), India’s counterpart to Israel’s MAFAT and the Defense Intelligence Agency. DRDO’s Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is focused on enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
A key component of this initiative is the development of indigenous interceptors with ranges between 150 and 400 kilometers. These interceptors are intended to integrate seamlessly with both the Barak 8 system and Russia’s S-400 platform, further strengthening India’s defense autonomy.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
