IAF Develops SAMAR-2 Air Defence System using old Russian R-27 Air to Air Missiles

Defense News ,India :-  The chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Maintenance Command, Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, recently shared that the SAMAR-2 air defense system is a great example of how outdated missiles can still be valuable. He explained that by repurposing these missiles, the IAF can enhance its air defense capabilities.

Air Marshal Vibhas Pande emphasized that SAMAR-2, the upgraded version of the missile system, showcases the IAF's ability to use missiles that have reached the end of their life for effective air defense. The demonstration includes integrating the R27 missile into the SAMAR system.

The IAF is proud to demonstrate its capability to develop systems internally, working hand in hand with the industry. According to Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, this effort is a step towards making the air defense system stronger. He highlighted that in the future, they aim to integrate other missiles as well.

SAMAR-2, which stands for "Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation," is an air defense system crafted by the IAF. It repurposes old Russian-origin R-27 air-to-air missile systems from the IAF's inventory. The SAMAR system was developed at the IAF's 7 Base Repair Depot Tughlakabad (BRD), showcasing the organization's ingenuity.

Successful firing trials of the SAMAR system took place during the Astrashakti 2023 exercise at Suryalanka Air Force Station in Andhra Pradesh.

Here are some key specifications of the SAMAR 2 air defense system:

• Range: 20 kilometers (12 mi)
• Altitude: Up to 15,000 meters (49,000 ft)
• Speed: Mach 4.5
• Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
• Guidance system: Active radar homing
• Launcher: Twin-turret launcher with the capability of launching two missiles in single and salvo mode