Barak MX is an integrated air and missile defence system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), an aerospace and defence company.
It is a unified solution that provides comprehensive air defence coverage to mobile land forces for countering multiple aerial threats from different sources and ranges, even on the move.
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IAI successfully completed a series of live firing trials with the Barak MX air defence system in March 2021. The system was tested for its ability to manage a range of scenarios and threats, including interception of an attacking ballistic target by the Barak extended range (ER) interceptor.
Barak MX defence system design and details
Barak MX is a modular system comprising three basic components, the Barak battle management centre (BMC), the Barak interceptors and the sensors. Any combination of the three components can be connected and utilised based on the incoming threat.
The modular design offers a cost-effective operational capability to handle different mission requirements and optimise operational effectiveness. The system is adaptable to address future threats.
Barak BMC details
Barak BMC is available in mobile, deployable or stationary configurations tailored to operational requirements. It creates and manages a unified air picture and interfaces with any command and control system. It selects the battle management system and manages the multi-interceptors launch array.
Barak interceptors details
The Barak MX system includes three types of advanced Barak interceptors. The Barak medium-range air defence (MRAD) with a single pulse rocket motor has a range of up to 35km, while the Barak long-range air defence (LRAD) with a dual pulse rocket motor has a range of up to 70km.
The Barak ER, with a dual pulse rocket motor and an additional booster, has a range of up to 150km. The interceptors offer fast and reliable target acquisition with high immunity to electronic countermeasures.
All versions have an advanced active radio frequency seeker for low radar cross section and for when seeking manoeuvring targets, and can carry a large warhead. They are launched vertically to achieve 360° coverage, quick reactions and short minimal ranges.
Three interceptor variants are integrated into a single battle management system with a unified Barak land-based launcher. The launcher can stop and deploy in under two minutes.
The launcher is capable of deploying eight missiles. The MRAD and LRAD missiles can reach up to an altitude of 20km, while ER missiles can reach 30km with 50g manoeuvrability. A data link enables communication between the BMC and the missiles.
Sensors details
The Barak MX system includes legacy sensors and fully digital integrated phased array multi-mission radars (MMR) developed by IAI.
It is equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars developed by ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of IAI, such as ELM 2138 MMR and ELM-2084 MMR, which are capable of mobile operations.
ELTA’s MMR is a 3D multi-beam AESA radar system with gallium nitride technology. The radar can identify and monitor both aircraft and ballistic targets and provide fire control guidance for missile interception or artillery air defence. The radars are available in different sizes and configurations.
The Barak MX system can be integrated with existing as well as new sensors.
Capabilities
The Barak MX defence system can operate in all weather, day and night. It can handle multiple threats including aircraft, helicopters, gliding bombs, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
It can be deployed in point defence and area defence missions and can adapt to joint task force coordination battle conditions.
Barak MX orders and deliveries
IAI collaborated with Daronmont Technologies, a defence company based in Australia, to work on the Barak-MX air and missile defence system in March 2023. The companies will deliver advanced air and missile defence capabilities to the Australian Defence Force within the framework of the Australian Ministry of Defence’s tender (AIR-6502).
Colombia awarded a contract worth $131.2m to IAI to deliver truck-transportable Barak MX air defence systems and missiles for the Colombian army in January 2023. The missiles are expected to be delivered by September 2026.
IAI will supply the Barak MX air and missile defence system to Morocco under a deal worth more than $500m signed in February 2022.
