Barak MX
Weapon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Barak MX is an Israeli modular multi-mission air and missile defense system suitable for land and naval deployment, designed to defend against aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), anti-ship missiles, cruise missiless, as well as tactical ballistic missiles. The original purpose of the system is to protect vessels and strategic naval installations.[1] The system was developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries.[2] The missile's rocket engine is manufactured at the "Givon" plant (formerly of IMI Systems and since November 2018 of "Tomer (Elbit Systems)").[3]
| Barak MX | |
|---|---|
A Sa'ar 6-class ship launches an LR interceptor during test | |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023 |
| Wars | Operation Am Kalavi |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer |  Israel Israel Aerospace Industries |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) |
| Diameter | 22 cm (8.7 in) for the missile body 54 cm (21 in) in the booster stage |
Unlike the Barak 8 system, which was developed and manufactured in cooperation between IAI, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) industry,[4][5] and the Barak 1, which was developed together with Rafael, the Barak MX is an exclusive development of IAI based on the experience of the Barak 8 and Barak 1 systems.[3]
The system is installed on the Israeli Navy 's Sa'ar 6-class ships, where it is called "Barak Magen". The land-based configuration of the system was also used by the Israeli Air Force 's air defence system during Operation Am Kalavi.[3]
Characteristics and mode of operation
Barak MX is a modular system that includes a fire control center,[6] a variety of radar types, and four types of interceptors. The system components can be customized according to customer requirements, and installed on land and various sea platforms, including warships such as missile boats, corvettes, frigates or destroyers.[7]
The system includes four models of interceptors:
- SR – short-range interceptor of 15 km (9.3 mi)
- MR – 35 km (22 mi) short and medium range interceptor (formerly known as MRAD)[8]
- LR – 70 km (43 mi) medium and long-range interceptor (formerly known as LRAD)[9]
- ER – Interceptor with an extended range of 150 km (93 mi) and a flight altitude of 30 km (98,000 ft)[10]
Development and testing
On March 22, 2021, it was reported that a successful series of tests of the Barak ER version, capable of intercepting threats at a range of 150 km, had been completed.[11]
On November 30, 2022, a successful test launch of an LR missile from an Israeli Navy Sa'ar 6-class ship was conducted, intercepting a target missile that resembled a cruise missile.[12][13]
On May 14, 2023, a successful test was conducted in which a missile was launched from the Indian Navy destroyer INS Mormugao and intercepted a missile that simulated a supersonic cruise missile.[14][5][15]
On August 1, 2024, a successful test of an LR interceptor launched from the Sa'ar 6 ship AHI Independence was completed.[16]
Operational activity
On July 2, 2022, Barak missiles launched from the Sa'ar 5-class corvette INS Eilat shot down two reconnaissance UAVs operated by Hezbollah over the Israeli off-shore Karish gas field in the Mediterranean Sea.[17]
On June 16, 2025, during Operation Am Kalavi in Gaza war, the first successful operational use of the Israeli Navy's system was reported to have intercepted UAVs launched from Iran.[18] A land-based version of the system, known in the IDF as Barak, was operated by the Air Defense Division, and recorded its first interception on June 19, 2025.[19]
Users
Israel: Installed on the Sa'ar 6-class ships of the Israeli Navy, and named in the Navy "Barak Magen". The system was also used by the Air Defense System of the Air Force during the Operation Am Kalavi.[20]
Morocco: Ordered the system in 2022.[21][22][23]
Colombia: Ordered the system in 2023 in a deal worth $131 million,[24] but the deal was suspended following the severance of relations with Israel.
Azerbaijan: Ordered the system in 2023 in a $1.2 billion deal.[25]
Slovakia: In 2023, the Slovak government approved the purchase of 6 batteries.[26][27][28] On December 23, 2024, the deal was signed with Israel Aerospace Industries to supply the systems for a total of 560 million euros (2 billion shekels).[29][30]
Cyprus: In December 2024, it was reported that it had at least 2 batteries of the system.[31][32][33]
See also
- Related systems from the "Barak" series:
- Barak 8 - the equivalent system produced in collaboration with DRDO from India
- Barak 1 - The air defense system for vessels developed by Israel Aerospace Industries in collaboration with Rafael in service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
- Additional Israeli air defense systems:
- SPYDER - An air defense system manufactured by Rafael in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries.
- David's Sling - a system manufactured by Rafael in collaboration with Israel Israel Aerospace Industries and Raytheon to intercept medium-long-range rockets and missiles.
- Iron Dome - An Israeli system for intercepting short- and medium-range rockets and missiles. It is in service with the IDF.
- C-Dome - The naval version of Iron Dome, installed on the Sa'ar 6-class ships.
- Arrow - the ballistic missile defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the topmost layer of the State of Israel's multi-layered air defense and missile defense.
- Other air defense systems in the world:
- MIM-104 Patriot - An American defense system for use against aircraft and ballistic missiles. It was in service with the IDF until July 2024.
- RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 - American anti-missile missile launched from Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System ships
- S-300 missile system and S-400 missile system - Russian surface-to-air missile systems
- S-500 missile system - Russian-made anti-ballistic missile