Astra Missile

Source: DD News

Context: The Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) was successfully test-fired from the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off the Odisha coast.

About Astra Missile:

• What is Astra Missile?

• An advanced Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed for fighter aircraft. Enables aircraft to engage targets beyond 100 km without direct visual contact.

• An advanced Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed for fighter aircraft.

• Enables aircraft to engage targets beyond 100 km without direct visual contact.

• Developed by:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under a ₹2,971 crore contract.

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India.

• Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under a ₹2,971 crore contract.

• Key Features: Altitude: Can engage targets at 20 km altitude. Range: Over 100 km, with high-speed precision targeting. Guidance System: Equipped with inertial navigation, mid-course updates, and active radar homing for precise hits. Speed: Capable of Mach 4.5 (4.5 times the speed of sound). Integration: Already deployed on Su-30MKI, now being integrated with LCA Tejas & MiG-29. Combat Advantage: Provides large stand-off range, reducing pilot risk from enemy air defense.

• Altitude: Can engage targets at 20 km altitude.

• Range: Over 100 km, with high-speed precision targeting.

• Guidance System: Equipped with inertial navigation, mid-course updates, and active radar homing for precise hits.

• Speed: Capable of Mach 4.5 (4.5 times the speed of sound).

• Integration: Already deployed on Su-30MKI, now being integrated with LCA Tejas & MiG-29.

• Combat Advantage: Provides large stand-off range, reducing pilot risk from enemy air defense.

• Significance:

• Strengthens India’s Air Defense: Enhances IAF’s air superiority and aerial combat effectiveness. Reduces Foreign Dependency: Eliminates the need for imported air-to-air missiles. Boosts Indigenization: Developed under Make in India, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense technology. Enhances Fighter Jet Capabilities: Enables Indian fighter jets to strike enemy aircraft at long distances.

• Strengthens India’s Air Defense: Enhances IAF’s air superiority and aerial combat effectiveness.

• Reduces Foreign Dependency: Eliminates the need for imported air-to-air missiles.

• Boosts Indigenization: Developed under Make in India, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense technology.

• Enhances Fighter Jet Capabilities: Enables Indian fighter jets to strike enemy aircraft at long distances.