The missiles are mounted in an eight cell container (which requires little maintenance) and are launched straight up.

Fire control is provided by an equally compact C3I system that weighs 1,300 kg (2,900 lb), which can either operate independently or in conjunction with other on-board sensors.

Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.

[3][4][5] On 23 October 2000, contracts were signed between the Government of India to procure seven Barak 1 systems for a $199.50 million and 200 missiles for $69.13 million reportedly over the objections of various groups, including A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

[9][10][11] A day before, on 23 December, Minister of Defence A. K. Antony approved the procurement of an additional 262 Barak 1 missiles for ₹880 crore (US$102 million).