- Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) is about to sign a
$100 million deal to supply India with missiles to protect Indian warships.
Thus far, IAI has sold some $260 million worth of Barak missiles to the
Indian army.
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- This will be the third missile deal between the company
and the Indian Navy.
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- In a recent test-launch conducted by India's Navy, the
Barak missile veered off course and fell into the sea, India media reported
Monday.
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- The second back-up missile launched in the same test,
however, hit its target accurately.
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- The naval SS Barak Missile, produced at IAI's Mabat plant
in Yehud, is considered the world's most advanced in protecting warships
and has been sold to several countries. The Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 5 missile
boats are equipped with the missile.
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- IAI sources who examined the recent test said that there
was a problem during the launch that probably was caused due to the communication
frequencies between the missile and the warship.
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- Another possible reason for the failure was a problem
in the missile's control and guiding system that stopped the missile's
flight.
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- The Barak missile is supported by a radar system posted
on the ship's mast that provides an early alert of approaching threats,
including cruise missiles, smart bombs and war helicopters. It can provide
the warship with 360-degree protection.
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- The Barak missile was built to enable its being fired
from a vertical launcher installed on the ship in order to save space.
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- It is an accurate guided missile with an operative range
of between 0.5 km. to 10 km.
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- The missile can be launched in any weather, at night
or day, weighs about 100 kg., and is 2.7 meters long, with a 2-3 mach velocity.
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- A warship is armed with 32 missiles.
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- IAI is trying to develop Barak missiles with a range
of dozens of kilometers.
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- The company's Mabat plant also manufacturers espionage
and communication satellites.
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