The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its air combat capabilities, as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) prepares to supply the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) by the close of 2023, according to The Hindu.
In a deal inked in May 2022, the IAF commissioned 248 units of the Astra Mk-1 BVR missiles from BDL—200 for IAF and the remaining 48 earmarked for the Indian Navy.
Crafted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these cutting-edge AAMs can engage a variety of aerial threats including enemy jets, drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and transport aircraft, boasting a maximum range exceeding 100 kilometers when launched from high altitudes.
A significant milestone was achieved on August 23, when DRDO tested the Astra missile using the domestically-produced Tejas fighter jet near Goa’s coastline. This marked a historic moment— the maiden test of a homegrown air-to-air missile from an indigenously built fighter aircraft.
Before this test, the Astra missile had only been integrated with the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets.
The IAF’s vision includes positioning the Astra missile series as the cornerstone of its combat jet fleet, aiming for compatibility with the Mig-29, upcoming Tejas Mk-1A, and Tejas Mk-2 aircraft.
Additionally, the Astra Mk-2 BVR missile, with a formidable range surpassing 160 kilometers and equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor, is on the horizon, promising enhanced lethality in its final engagement phase.
Development is also underway for the even more advanced Astra Mk-3 missile, which is poised to challenge the renowned Meteor BVR missile of the French Rafale fighter jet in terms of range and capability.
