India has test-fired a Barak-8 surface-to-air ballistic missile from a test range at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha state.

The latest testing comes on the heels of two test firings of Barak-8 on 30 June and 1 July this year, DD News reported.

During the trial on 20 September, the medium-range missile was successfully launched from a mobile launcher at the integrated test range (ITR).

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) jointly developed the Barak-8 missile.

Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies were also involved in the development of the missile.

Bharat Dynamics Limited takes responsibility for the production of these missiles.

A DRDO official was quoted by media sources as saying: "Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile."

Weighing around 3t, the 4m-long missile has a payload capacity of 70kg, according to the Indian TV news channel.

"Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile."

Designed to defend against any airborne threat, the missile has the ability to hit targets within range of 70-90 km.

Nearly 3,700 residents living within a 2.5km radius of the launch pad were relocated to ensure safety.

The missile is set to undergo some more rounds of tests soon.

Image: Barak-8 missile at Paris Air Show in 2009. Photo: courtesy of Georges Seguin.