Gary Fitleberg, December 7, 2003

India and Israel are strengthening terror fighting capabilities in the new diplomatic relations forged between these two respective nations.

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.

This will be the third missile deal between the company and the Indian Navy.

In a recent test-launch conducted by India's Navy, the Barak missile veered off course and fell into the sea, India media reported.

The second back-up missile launched in the same test, however, hit its target accurately.

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.

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.

Another possible reason for the failure was a problem in the missile's control and guidance system that stopped the missile's flight.

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.

The Barak missile was built to enable its being fired from a vertical launcher installed on the ship in order to save space.

It is an accurate guided missile with an operative range of between 0.5 km. to 10 km. 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.

A warship is armed with 32 missiles.

IAI is trying to develop Barak missiles with a range of dozens of kilometers.

The company's Mabat plant also manufacturers espionage and communication satellites.

Watch closely as India and Israel wage "War on Terrorism" together in the future!!!

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg