In a major boost to the country’s military infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially inducted the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Air Defence System into the Air Force in Rajasthan. The MR-SAM defence system was inducted into the 2204 Squadron of the Indian Air Force in Jaisalmer yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister said, MR-SAM System is another step towards self-reliance in indigenous defence technologies.
The air defence system has a range of 70 kms and can hit any aircraft, helicopters and incoming missiles. With a speed of Mach-2, it will be crucial in protecting the Indian military establishments. The deal between the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the system was signed a decade ago.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari jointly inaugurated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for the IAF at Satta-Gandhav stretch on the NH-925A near Barmer in Rajasthan.
The first aircraft to land during the demonstration was the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft with Mr Singh, Mr Gadkari and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on board.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat witnessed the landing demonstration at the National Highway in Jalore.
Mr Singh lauded the IAF, NHAI and the private sector for completing the Emergency Landing Field within 19 months despite the COVID-19 restrictions.