Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra. The test conducted from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha. The Astra missile tested with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.
Key Outcomes of Test
- Two separate test launches were conducted:
- Targets: High-speed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Conditions: Varying target aspects, ranges, and launch conditions.
- Both targets hit with pinpoint accuracy, confirming the system’s reliability and precision.
- Flight data validation done using range tracking instruments from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
Significance of Indigenous RF Seeker
- The indigenous RF seeker was developed by DRDO.
- This milestone marks a significant achievement in self-reliant critical defence technologies.
- The seeker allows for accurate target tracking and engagement without depending on foreign technologies.
About Astra BVRAAM
- Full Form: Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile.
- Range:
- Astra Mk-I: >100 km.
- Astra Mk-II (upcoming version): ~160 km.
- Length: 3.8 metres.
- Weight: Launch weight ~150 kg.
- Guidance System: Inertial and satellite navigation with active radar homing.
- Countermeasures: Equipped with Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) to jam enemy radars.
- Role: Designed to engage aerial targets at varying altitudes and ranges, beyond pilot’s visual line of sight.
- Deployment: Can be integrated with frontline Indian fighter jets like Su-30 MKI and Tejas.
Industrial & Strategic Involvement
- Over 50 public and private Indian industries contributed to the missile’s development.
- Key partners include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and various DRDO labs.
- This success supports the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Why It Matters?
- Boosts India’s air-to-air combat capability with a powerful indigenous missile.
- Reduces dependence on imported missile systems like Meteor or AMRAAM.
- Reinforces India’s focus on self-reliance in strategic defence technologies.
- Strengthens IAF’s ability to counter aerial threats at standoff distances.
Key Facts:
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur – Odisha; DRDO’s missile testing facility.
- Su-30 MKI – Twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, customized for India by HAL.
- Tejas – India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft (LCA).
- BVRAAM – Missile that can engage targets beyond visual range, critical for modern aerial warfare.