SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army recently held a grand “Know Your Army” Weapon and Equipment Display at the Kargil Helipad, marking a prelude to the upcoming celebrations of the Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This event served as a platform to showcase the military’s strength and equipment to the public.
Coinciding with the Army’s display, The Indian Air Force (IAF) also has deployed its recently inducted Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defense system in the Ladakh region, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
SAMAR, inducted in December 2023 with a successful test-firing at Air Force Station Suryalanka, is a short-range air defense system designed to counter low-flying aerial threats. This includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and attack helicopters, with an interception range of up to 12 kilometers and a maximum speed of Mach 2.5.
The SAMAR system is a significant achievement for India’s defense sector, representing a collaborative effort between the IAF’s 7 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 11 BRD, alongside Indian private companies Simran Flowtech Industries and Yamazuki Denki. This indigenous development bolsters India’s air defense capabilities, particularly in sensitive border regions.