Mystery over Russian missiles repeated failure
The Indian Air Force (IAF) troupe had to wind up their air defence exercise at a test facility here as three trials of the five attempts made to engage aerial targets by a Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) failed recently. The exercise was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur with logistical support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The trials were carried out between April 22 and 29 to engage pilotless target aircraft (PTA), Lakshya, by Russian OSA-AK missile. Sources said in the first attempt, the vehicle-mounted and mobile missile could not be launched as Lakshya developed snags mid-air and broke down.
During the second attempt on April 24, the exercise was successful. Though during the third attempt on April 25 Lakshya had a smooth flight as coordinated, the missile did not take off due to a technical snag forcing the armed force officials to postpone the exercise for three days.
There were two trials on April 29 aimed at low and medium altitude interceptions. While in the first trial, the missile successfully intercepted the tow body at the low altitude, during second attempt for the medium level altitude, the weapon failed to take off.
An official associated with the mission said not only the missile, the aerial target (Lakshya) also failed to deliver desired results during the exercise.
Defence sources said OSA-AK missile is a Russian made highly mobile, short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system in use by IAF for the last two decades. The missile is intended for strategic ground facilities against air strikes by manned or unmanned air vehicles flying at low and medium altitudes.
It features an all-in-one transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle which can detect, track and engage aircraft independently or with the aid of regimental surveillance radars. Each TELAR, which is able to launch and guide two missiles against one target simultaneously, features six ready to fire missiles, sealed in separate containers.
Officials said reasons behind the failed attempts were being analysed and it could be due to the malfunction in the missile system during storage period. No IAF official could be contacted for comment.
