The Chinese may try to downplay the deployment of the task force and probably we will see articles in the Chinese media comparing our destroyers with their latest Type 052D ships. It's OK.
The reality is that this deployment probably the first major power projection by the Indian Navy in the South China Sea will irritate and rile the PLAN. Because this is happening in their backyard. And the ships deployed are quite potent.
Since the Barak 8 is going to be fielded on most major ships in the future and can tackle threats ranging from supersonic anti ship missiles, fighter aircraft to drones we should explore the possibility of turning it into a Aegis type of system which can also counter ballistic missiles. The Barak 8 can be further developed into an system like the Arrow missile used by Israel. Israel already has experience of developing the Arrow anti ballistic missile system since long. The XRSAM missile system already in development in India can take over from the Barak 8/Arrow system in the future.
I believe that the Israelis would be more receptive to the idea than in the past as Washington is now feeling the heat from the Chinese naval build up. Both India and Israel are quite developed as far as radar technology goes. Building an analogue of the US SPY-1 naval radar system just might be possible.
The utility of having mobile Shipborne Anti Ballistic Missile System is not in doubt. Such destroyers/cruisers can be positioned near coastal High Value Targets to protect them. It would theoretically be able to intercept short and medium range missiles including IRBM's. Our Andaman and Nicobar Island chain can be a benificiary.
