Samara

The SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile Assured Retaliation) is an Indian short-range air defense system developed to provide low-cost point defense against aerial threats. It repurposes retired or out-of-warranty Vympel R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles into surface-to-air assets. The system is designed to engage low-flying targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and fighter aircraft.

Development of the SAMAR system began as an in-house initiative by the Indian Air Force's Maintenance Command to utilize expiring missile stocks. Successful test firings were conducted in the early 2020s, validating the conversion of the air-to-air missiles for ground launch. The system was officially inducted into service and publicly demonstrated during the 'Astra Shakti' military exercise in December 2023. It is currently operational and deployed for the defense of critical Indian air bases and installations.