New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the successful test firing of 'Barak-8', a surface-to-air missile.

"I extend hearty congratulations to you and all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Surface to Air Missile -- 'Barak-8' developed jointly with Israel," Mukherjee said in his message to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Director-General and Secretary, S. Christopher. 

"The nation is proud of this achievement. I am sure that this success will further boost India's defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas.

"Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to all members of the team of scientists, engineers, and others involved in this Mission," Mukherjee said. 

The nuclear capable Barak-8 missile was successfully launched on Tuesday at 10.15 a.m. from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) launch pad at Chandipur in Balasore district.