In a significant advancement for India’s air defence strategy, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully inducted a limited number of indigenous SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) systems, marking a crucial step towards enhancing its short-range air defence capabilities. This system is designed to provide rapid-response defence against aerial threats in light of the evolving security environment in the region.
The development of the SAMAR system represents a collaborative effort involving the IAF’s 7 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Tughlakabad, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and private sector partner Simran Flowtech Industries. A notable feature of the SAMAR system is its innovative repurposing of the Russian Vympel R-73 air-to-air missiles. These missiles, which were previously deployed on fighter aircraft, have been transformed into a twin-turret surface-to-air launch platform capable of engaging targets in both single and salvo modes.
The SAMAR system operates at impressive speeds ranging from Mach 2 to 2.5, providing a mobile and responsive solution for short-range air defence. To date, the system has achieved 17 successful test firings, with significant demonstrations conducted during two major exercises: Exercise AstraShakti at Air Force Station Suryalanka in December 2023 and Exercise Vayushakti in February 2024.
The formal acknowledgement of the SAMAR’s development occurred during Aero India 2023, with five production batches of the SAMAR-1 variant now prepared for integration into the IAF’s Air-Defence Missile Unit. While the system continues to undergo extensive field evaluations, it has already entered early operational service as of May 2025.
By extending the lifecycle of retired R-73E missiles through meticulous reconditioning and adaptation, the SAMAR programme highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance and the optimization of resources in defence production. This initiative offers a low-cost, high-impact solution to address critical vulnerabilities in air defence, particularly against low-flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
Military analysts regard SAMAR as a crucial enhancement to India’s layered air defence framework. It effectively complements existing systems such as Akash, Spyder, and the recently inducted MR-SAM, thereby significantly augmenting the IAF’s ability to respond promptly in complex multi-threat environments. The system’s inherent mobility and straightforward deployment create strategic advantages in rapidly changing battlefield scenarios.
As regional tensions continue to loom over India’s western and northern borders, the introduction of the SAMAR system equips the IAF with enhanced tools to deter and neutralize hostile aerial intrusions, reinforcing India’s dedication to building a resilient and indigenously developed defence infrastructure.
