The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making significant strides towards enhancing its air defense capabilities with the impending induction of indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles.
The IAF has entered into contracts with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for these advanced missiles, marking a crucial step towards reducing import dependency and bolstering national security.
The first batch of Astra-MK1 missiles, developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) among other DRDO laboratories, is slated for induction by the end of 2023. BDL has already received Bulk Production Clearance for Astra-MK1 missiles, signifying a significant milestone in indigenous missile production.
In May 2022, the IAF placed orders for 248 Astra Mk-1 BVR missiles—200 for the IAF and 48 for the Indian Navy, from the state-owned BDL.
BDL will deliver the first batch of the missiles by the end of 2023. Under the Rs 2,971 crore order, all the missiles will be delivered in six years from the date of signing the contract.
These advanced AAMs are designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and are capable to strike aerial targets like enemy fighter jets, drones, helicopters, cruise missiles and cargo planes at a maximum range of more than 100 kilometres, when fired from high-altitudes.
Just over a month ago, on August 23, DRDO successfully tested the Astra missile from the ‘Made-in-India’ Tejas fighter jet off the coast of Goa. This marked the first time an indigenous air-to-air missile was tested from an indigenously designed and developed fighter jet.
Until last month’s test, the Astra missile was only integrated with the Russian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets.
The IAF plans to make the Astra series of missiles the mainstay of its offensive fighter fleet, with integration planned on the Mig-29, future Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2 fighter jets.
Additionally, development efforts are currently underway for a more advanced and longer-range Astra Mk-2 missile, with static firing tests already conducted.
The Astra Mk-2 BVR missile is expected to strike targets from a range of more than 160 kilometers and will be equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor, making the missile extremely lethal in its terminal phase.
