Homegrown beyond-visual-range missile Astra successfully test-fired from LCA Tejas

It is equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities, allowing the missile to destroy targets with greater accuracy. The missile is already inducted into the Indian Air Force, having been fully integrated with the frontline Russian-origin Su-30 MKI. It is being integrated with the indigenous LCA Tejas of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy’s Mig-29 in a phased manner. The maiden test of the Astra missile from LCA Tejas was conducted in August 2023.

Beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles are those capable of engaging beyond the range of 20 nautical miles, or 37 km. Air-to-air missiles are primarily fired from an airborne asset to destroy an airborne target. The Astra has been designed and developed by the DRDO based on the staff requirements issued by the IAF, catering for beyond-visual-range as well as close-combat engagement, reducing the dependency on foreign sources. When adversary assets engage with each other in restricted areas, it is referred to as close combat.

Air-to-air missiles with BVR capability provide large stand-off ranges to own fighter aircraft, which can neutralise airborne assets without exposing themselves to adversary air defence measures, thereby achieving air superiority in conflict. Stand-off range missiles are those launched at a distance sufficient to allow the attacking party to evade defensive fire expected from the target.

In May 2022, the ministry signed a contract with Hyderabad-based PSU Bharat Dynamics Ltd for the supply of the Astra Mk-1 missile and associated equipment at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore.

The ministry has said that the successful test was the result of efforts by the integrated team of scientists, engineers and technicians from the ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), along with support from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, IAF, and the test-range team. Further trials are planned towards performance evaluation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the teams of the DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL and all involved in the trial. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts of scientists, engineers and technicians from various organisations and industries. More than 50 public and private industries have contributed to building the Astra weapon system.