Missile Barak 8

Joint development of the system began in 2006, originating from a requirement for an air defense capability for naval vessels, specifically Project 15A destroyers. The missile is derived from the earlier Barak 1 system. In 2010, the program expanded to include a land-based variant intended to replace legacy Pechora systems.

The missile is a surface-to-air system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Guidance is provided by active radar homing supported by a two-way S-band datalink. Propulsion consists of a smokeless dual-pulsed rocket motor. For maneuverability during the terminal phase, the system utilizes thrust vector control. The missile is launched vertically from eight-cell modules in both maritime and land-based configurations. The system architecture enables multiple simultaneous engagements. Variants include the ship-launched LR-SAM, the land-based MR-SAM, and the Barak ER, which features an additional large-diameter booster stage. The Barak MX configuration provides a network-centric architecture that integrates various sensors and interceptors into a unified defense network.

The system is widely deployed by the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army, as well as the Israeli Navy. It forms the primary air defense for several warship classes, including the Kolkata and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. Additional operators include Azerbaijan, Morocco, and Cyprus. Several other nations have signed contracts for the system, including Greece, Slovakia, and Thailand.

In 2020, Azerbaijani forces reportedly used the system to intercept an Iskander ballistic missile during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In July 2022, an Israeli Sa'ar 5-class corvette used the missile to down two reconnaissance UAVs over the Mediterranean Sea. During the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, the system intercepted Fatah-2 rockets. Performance trials have validated the system's capability against sea-skimming and high-altitude targets in various operational scenarios.

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan • 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇨🇾 Cyprus • 🇮🇳 India • 🇮🇱 Israel • 🇲🇦 Morocco