DRDO & IAF Successfully Test Indigenous Astra BVRAAM Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’, showcasing a major milestone in India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
Key Aspects:
Indigenous Weapon:Astra is India’s first fully indigenous beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
Testing Platform: Fired from Su-30 MKI fighter jet off the Odisha coast.
Missile CapabilityEquipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for accurate tracking and targeting
The tests took place off the coast of Odisha, over the Bay of Bengal. The performance was validated through flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
Test Outcomes:
Two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets (UAVs) at varying ranges and conditions.
Both missiles successfully destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy.
All subsystems, including the RF seeker, performed as expected
Key Indigenization:
The missile is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, which has been entirely designed and developed by DRDO.
This marks a major milestone in India’s pursuit of critical defence technology and reduces dependence on foreign components.
Performance Specifications (Astra Mk-1):
Range:Exceeding 100 kilometers.
Speed:Capable of achieving Mach 4.5.
Guidance System: Features state-of-the-art guidance and navigation, including an inertial guidance system with terminal active radar homing. It offers both “Lock on Before Launch (LOBL)” and “Lock on After Launch (LOAL)” capabilities.
Warhead: Carries a 15-kilogram pre-fragmented high explosive warhead, activated by a proximity fuse.
Astra Missile Variants:
Astra Mk-1: The version successfully tested; already inducted into the IAF, with a range of 80-110 km (proven exceeding 100 km).
Astra Mk-2: Under development, expected to have an extended range of 160-180 km, featuring a dual-pulse rocket motor. Trials are anticipated by 2026.
Astra Mk-3 (Gandiva): The most ambitious variant, under development with a Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. Expected to achieve ranges of 190-340 km (some sources indicate over 300 km or 350 km), slated for induction by 2031.
Astra IR: A shorter-range variant (approx. 80 km) with infrared homing, currently in design and trial phases.
Integration:Astra Mk-1 is already integrated with the Su-30MKI, is being integrated with the LCA Tejas Mk1A, and plans are underway for its integration with MiG-29K and IAF’s Rafale fighter jets.
What is BVRAAM Concept:
Beyond Visual Range
Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) are designed to engage enemy aircraft at ranges beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight, offering greater combat reach and survivability.
Astra Missile:India’s first indigenously developed BVRAAM, part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence. It provides a domestic alternative to imported systems like Russia’s R-77 and France’s MICA.
Indigenous Technology Base:Features an Indian-designed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, integrated guidance and control systems, propulsion unit, and onboard avionics all developed by DRDO.
Force Multiplier: Increases the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities in modern air combat by allowing long-range, precision strikes a
against agile aerial targets.
Strategic Relevance:
Supports self-reliance in high-end weapon systems and enhances India’s deterrence posture in regional airspace superiority