Defence Research & 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, integrated with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker. The test was conducted from the Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Odisha, targeting high-speed unmanned aerial targets at varying conditions and distances.
About Astra BVRAAM
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) |
| Developer | DRDO in collaboration with IAF & HAL |
| Integration Platform | Su-30 MKI (current); planned for Tejas, Mirage-2000, MiG-29 |
| Strike Range | >100 km |
| Seeker | Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker |
| Guidance | Navigation + mid-course correction system |
| Interception | Designed for high-speed, high-manoeuvrability engagements |
Key Highlights of the July 2025 Test
- Two launches were conducted under different operational conditions (range, platform, target orientation).
- Both targets destroyed with high accuracy, validating reliability and performance.
- Subsystems, including the indigenous RF seeker, functioned flawlessly.
- Test data recorded and analyzed using Range Tracking Instruments from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
Strategic Importance of Astra
| Benefit | Explanation |
| First Indigenous BVRAAM | Astra is India’s first homegrown missile for long-range air combat |
| Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence | Reduces reliance on imported systems like Meteor (EU) or AMRAAM (US) |
| Force Multiplier | Enhances air-to-air combat capability of IAF, especially near the LAC and LoC |
| Export Potential | Opens opportunities for indigenous missile exports under the Make in India programme |
Industry Participation
- 50+ public and private industries contributed to the Astra project.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) played a major role in integration and platform support.
Additional Notes
- Astra is one of the critical components of India’s air superiority doctrine.
- The successful use of an indigenous RF seeker marks a major milestone in advanced electronics and defence autonomy.