Barak Magen: Israel’s air defence system to counter Iranian attacks, which India has too

Israel has introduced the Barak Magen, a cutting-edge air defence system, to bolster its defences against Iranian missile and drone strikes. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), this advanced system enhances Israel's multilayered air defence network, which includes the Arrow missile defence system, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome. 

The Barak Magen is designed to intercept a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, offering superior protection against Iran’s growing missile capabilities.

The system features advanced radar and interception technology, enabling it to detect and neutralise threats at various ranges and altitudes. Unlike the short-range Iron Dome or the high-altitude Arrow system, Barak Magen provides mid-range defence, filling a critical gap in Israel’s air defence architecture. Its deployment comes amid heightened tensions with Iran, particularly following recent cross-border escalations and Iran’s advancements in missile technology.

The Barak Magen is highly mobile, allowing rapid deployment across Israel’s borders, and is equipped with AI-driven systems for real-time threat assessment and response. Israeli defence officials have hailed it as a game-changer, strengthening the country’s ability to counter Iran’s evolving aerial threats. This move underscores Israel’s commitment to maintaining a robust defence posture in a volatile region.

India has Barak Magen too

The "Barak Magen" missile defence is more accurately referred to as the Barak-8 missile defence system, a joint Israeli-Indian project. It's a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed for both naval and land-based defence against various threats like aircraft, missiles, and UAVs.

This is the name of the missile system, also known as LR-SAM (Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile) or MR-SAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile).

It's a collaborative effort between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Barak-8 boasts a range of 70-100 km and can intercept targets up to 20 km in altitude. It provides a 360-degree defence against multiple threats simultaneously.

The system is designed for use on naval vessels and also has a land-based variant.

The term "Magen" is sometimes used in the context of Israeli missile defence systems, including the Barak-8, as it signifies its protective role. It can also refer to the Iron Beam laser-based missile defence system, which is a separate, but complementary, element of Israel's layered defence strategy.