By: Monu Kumar
India’s Astra, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype was successfully test-launched by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on Wednesday. The test was carried out off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, showcasing its accuracy and effectiveness proving the test-launch to be a great success. All subsystems of the missile performed optimally, meeting all mission parameters and objectives, demonstrating the missile’s advanced capabilities.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra missile is designed to engage targets over 100 kilometers away. Its advanced guidance and navigation systems enable it to destroy targets with exceptional precision. The missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), further enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams from DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL on this very successful test-launch, and all those involved in the trial. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman of DRDO, also praised the collaborative efforts of scientists, engineers, and technicians from various organizations and industries.