Astra Missile Test From Tejas Fighter Jet Advances India’s Strategic Autonomy
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India has taken a step in the development of its air defense capabilities by successfully testing the Astra air-to-air missile from the Tejas light combat aircraft. Conducted on March 12 off the coast of Chandipur in the state of Odisha, this test marks a key milestone in the missile’s integration into the Indian Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile achieved a direct hit on an aerial target, meeting all mission parameters and objectives.
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The test conducted from the Tejas Air Force Mk1 is a step toward the induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant, expected to enter service by the end of the year. (Picture source: WikiCommons)
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile designed to engage airborne threats at distances exceeding 100 kilometers. It incorporates advanced guidance and navigation systems, enhancing its accuracy in operational scenarios. Already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, the missile is gradually being integrated into the Tejas and the Indian Navy’s MiG-29 aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader effort to equip domestically produced fighter jets with high-performance weapon systems.
The Astra missile is available in multiple variants to meet the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Astra Mk-1, currently in service, has a range of over 110 km, while the Astra Mk-2, undergoing testing, is expected to reach 160 km. The Astra Mk-3, in development, aims for an extended range of 350 km, positioning it among the most capable air-to-air missiles in its category. These variants are equipped with inertial guidance systems updated via data links and active radar for terminal guidance. They are designed for engagements at altitudes of up to 20 km and can reach speeds of Mach 4.5. The missile carries a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, triggered by a proximity fuse, and incorporates electronic countermeasures to resist jamming attempts.
The Astra’s integration across multiple platforms enhances operational flexibility. Currently compatible with the Su-30MKI, MiG-29UPG, MiG-29K, and Tejas, the missile is also being tested for deployment on Rafale fighters and future indigenous aircraft such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Production, managed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), began in 2017 with an initial order of 50 units, followed by over 350 missiles for the IAF and Indian Navy. The long-term objective is to replace foreign-origin air-to-air missiles with domestically produced alternatives, reinforcing India’s defense self-sufficiency.
The test conducted from the Tejas Air Force Mk1 is a step toward the induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant, expected to enter service by the end of the year. A confirmed order of 83 Mk1A aircraft, with an option for 97 additional units, supports India’s strategy of modernizing its fighter fleet with domestically developed aircraft. Designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the supervision of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Tejas is central to India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous aviation capabilities. Equipping it with the Astra missile enhances its engagement capabilities against airborne threats.
The Astra provides significant tactical flexibility with its ability to engage targets at varying distances and altitudes. Its solid-propellant motor enables supersonic speeds while maintaining a low visual and infrared signature. The combination of advanced guidance systems and electronic countermeasures makes interception challenging. Different versions of the missile are tailored for specific operational needs: one with a range of 100 km can operate at altitudes up to 15 km, another with a 40 km range is optimized for intercepting targets at 30,000 feet, and a third, with a 30 km range, is designed for low-altitude engagements, including maritime scenarios.
The Astra program supports the IAF’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign-sourced weaponry while enhancing autonomous strike capabilities. The missile’s first flight test from the Tejas was conducted in August 2023, and this latest test confirms progress toward full operational integration. The Ministry of Defence acknowledged this achievement as a significant step in incorporating the Astra into the Tejas fleet.
This test aligns with India’s broader military modernization efforts, which include recent trials of an anti-ship missile and the continued development of indigenous weapons systems. The Astra’s demonstrated effectiveness in these tests reinforces its role as a key asset in India’s air combat capabilities.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
India has taken a step in the development of its air defense capabilities by successfully testing the Astra air-to-air missile from the Tejas light combat aircraft. Conducted on March 12 off the coast of Chandipur in the state of Odisha, this test marks a key milestone in the missile’s integration into the Indian Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile achieved a direct hit on an aerial target, meeting all mission parameters and objectives.
The test conducted from the Tejas Air Force Mk1 is a step toward the induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant, expected to enter service by the end of the year. (Picture source: WikiCommons)
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile designed to engage airborne threats at distances exceeding 100 kilometers. It incorporates advanced guidance and navigation systems, enhancing its accuracy in operational scenarios. Already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, the missile is gradually being integrated into the Tejas and the Indian Navy’s MiG-29 aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader effort to equip domestically produced fighter jets with high-performance weapon systems.
The Astra missile is available in multiple variants to meet the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Astra Mk-1, currently in service, has a range of over 110 km, while the Astra Mk-2, undergoing testing, is expected to reach 160 km. The Astra Mk-3, in development, aims for an extended range of 350 km, positioning it among the most capable air-to-air missiles in its category. These variants are equipped with inertial guidance systems updated via data links and active radar for terminal guidance. They are designed for engagements at altitudes of up to 20 km and can reach speeds of Mach 4.5. The missile carries a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, triggered by a proximity fuse, and incorporates electronic countermeasures to resist jamming attempts.
The Astra’s integration across multiple platforms enhances operational flexibility. Currently compatible with the Su-30MKI, MiG-29UPG, MiG-29K, and Tejas, the missile is also being tested for deployment on Rafale fighters and future indigenous aircraft such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Production, managed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), began in 2017 with an initial order of 50 units, followed by over 350 missiles for the IAF and Indian Navy. The long-term objective is to replace foreign-origin air-to-air missiles with domestically produced alternatives, reinforcing India’s defense self-sufficiency.
The test conducted from the Tejas Air Force Mk1 is a step toward the induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant, expected to enter service by the end of the year. A confirmed order of 83 Mk1A aircraft, with an option for 97 additional units, supports India’s strategy of modernizing its fighter fleet with domestically developed aircraft. Designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the supervision of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Tejas is central to India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous aviation capabilities. Equipping it with the Astra missile enhances its engagement capabilities against airborne threats.
The Astra provides significant tactical flexibility with its ability to engage targets at varying distances and altitudes. Its solid-propellant motor enables supersonic speeds while maintaining a low visual and infrared signature. The combination of advanced guidance systems and electronic countermeasures makes interception challenging. Different versions of the missile are tailored for specific operational needs: one with a range of 100 km can operate at altitudes up to 15 km, another with a 40 km range is optimized for intercepting targets at 30,000 feet, and a third, with a 30 km range, is designed for low-altitude engagements, including maritime scenarios.
The Astra program supports the IAF’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign-sourced weaponry while enhancing autonomous strike capabilities. The missile’s first flight test from the Tejas was conducted in August 2023, and this latest test confirms progress toward full operational integration. The Ministry of Defence acknowledged this achievement as a significant step in incorporating the Astra into the Tejas fleet.
This test aligns with India’s broader military modernization efforts, which include recent trials of an anti-ship missile and the continued development of indigenous weapons systems. The Astra’s demonstrated effectiveness in these tests reinforces its role as a key asset in India’s air combat capabilities.
