Indian Army’s White Tiger Division Conducts Air Defence Exercise with OSA-AK-9K33 Missiles in Odisha.
Defence
In March 2025, the Indian Army’s (IA’s) White Tiger Division, under the Southern Command, successfully conducted a live air defence missile firing drill using the OSA-AK (9K33) missile system at the Gopalpur Seawards Firing Ranges, Odisha.
- The exercise demonstrated the operational readiness of the Army Air Defence (AAD) and achieved 100% accuracy against Maneuverable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT).
- The drill was organized by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, based in Pune, Maharashtra, to enhance combat preparedness and test capabilities in modern warfare scenarios.
Main Point :- (i) The OSA-AK (9K33) missile system, also known by its NATO designation SA-8 Gecko, is a low-altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the Soviet Union and inducted in 1972. It features a length of 9.14 meters, width of 2.75 meters, weight of 17.5 tonnes, and can engage targets up to a maximum range of 12 kilometers, making it highly effective for short-range aerial defense.
(ii) Accommodates 5 crew members, equipped with NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) protection, and uses TELAR (Transporter-Erector-Launcher and Radar) configuration for independent threat detection and engagement.
(iii) It is fully amphibious, air-transportable, and operational across varied terrains, with a road range of 500 km.
About Indian Army (IA)
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters : New Delhi
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