The Indian Air Force has recently given the green signal to Bharat Dynamics Limited to manufacture 200 Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missiles. This is a big step for India’s indigenous missile manufacturing capabilities. The decision was taken when IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad.
Development Background
The Astra Mark 1 missiles were manufactured by the DRDO, and BDL is the main company chosen to manufacture them. The project received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the financial year 2022-23 for over Rs 2,900 crore after the missiles successfully passed all the required tests.
Production Approval
After a detailed review of the development and testing phases of the missile, BDL got the green signal to start production. This is a significant step for the Astra missile system, which will enhance India’s aerial combat capabilities.
Integration with aircraft
The Astra missiles are designed for use with various fighter aircraft, including the Russian Su-30 and the Indian-built LCA Tejas. This adjustment allows the Indian Air Force to deploy missiles more flexibly in various missions.
Future developments
The DRDO is also working on the future of the Astra program, planning a Mark 2 version, which is expected to have a range of 130 km. It also plans to develop a long-range version of the Astra missile with a range of up to 300 km. The move highlights India’s commitment to enhance domestic defense manufacturing capacity. Several other missile projects, including air-to-ground systems, are nearing completion. Focusing on self-reliance in defense technology strengthens national security and preparedness.
About Astra Mark 1 Missile
Advanced Missile: Astra Mark 1 is India’s first air-to-air missile capable of hitting targets at a range of 110 km and altitude up to 20 km, beyond visual range. Indigenous Technology: Developed by DRDO, it uses advanced radar detection and guidance systems made in India, reflecting the country’s technological prowess.
Versatile and Experimental: The missile works with a variety of aircraft including the Su-30MKI. Its first successful test flight took place in May 2014, giving a boost to India’s defence capabilities.
Sudarshan Sinha
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