Barak 1
| Company type | Surface-to-air missile system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense |
| Headquarters | Israel , Israel |
| Products | Surface-to-air missiles, Close-in weapon system |
Barak (, meaning lightning) is an Israeli-developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) integrated into a CIWS designed primarily for naval platforms. It functions as a point-defense missile system intended to protect vessels from aircraft, anti-ship missiles, and UAV threats.
Design
The Barak SAM serves as either a replacement for or a supplement to traditional gun-based CIWS systems such as the Phalanx CIWS, providing enhanced operational flexibility and extended engagement range. The missiles are contained within an eight-cell vertical launcher module that requires minimal upkeep. This compact vertical launching system holds eight missiles and has a total weight of . The fire control component consists of a streamlined C3I unit weighing , which can operate autonomously or be linked with other sensor arrays. Its radar system delivers full 360-degree surveillance, allowing interception of incoming targets at distances as close as from the ship's hull. A full Barak setup—comprising the missile container, radar, computing equipment, and installation—has an estimated cost near $24 million.
Engineered to counter aerial threats and anti-ship missile attacks, the system is particularly effective against low-flying sea-skimming missiles.
On 24 March 2017, the missile underwent successful trials by the Indian Navy aboard during an Operation Readiness Inspection conducted in the Arabian Sea.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorized modernization efforts for the Barak 1 point-defense missile system alongside the Saksham anti-air missile system utilized by the Indian Air Force. Both systems are planned for integration into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
Operators
- - Equipped on the Almirante Williams frigate
- -
- Currently outfitted on 15 naval vessels with 11 actively deployed, including:
- (Aircraft Carrier)
- (Aircraft Carrier) – now decommissioned
- Delhi-class destroyer
- Rajput-class destroyer, including INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay
- Shivalik-class frigate
- Brahmaputra-class frigate
- Godavari-class frigate – retired from service
- Currently outfitted on 15 naval vessels with 11 actively deployed, including:
Former operators
Indian Barak Missile scandal
On 23 October 2000, the Government of India entered into agreements to acquire seven Barak 1 systems valued at $199.50 million along with 200 missiles costing $69.13 million. This procurement faced opposition from various parties, including A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, then head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Concerns were raised regarding potential overpricing and the single-vendor nature of the contract, prompting an inquiry into Indian Navy chief Admiral Sushil Kumar.
Following an investigation lasting over seven years, the Central Bureau of Investigation closed the case on 24 December 2013, finding no evidence to substantiate the allegations. One day prior, Defence Minister A. K. Antony sanctioned the purchase of an additional 262 Barak 1 missiles for .