The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted the test launch of the indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft on March 12 off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
“The test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on flying target. All the subsystems performed accurately meeting all mission parameters and objectives,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ASTRA missile boasts an engagement range of over 100 km. Equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems, it enhances precision in targeting and destruction. The missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“The successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of LCA AF MK1A variant,” the Ministry added.
The ASTRA missile had previously undergone successful trials on the first-generation Tejas LCA and the Su-30 MKI combat aircraft.
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According to the official statement, further trials are planned to evaluate the missile’s performance.
The success is the result of hard work by the integrated team of Scientists, Engineers and Technicians from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF and Test range team. Further trials are planned towards the performance evaluation, according to the statement.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams from DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and all stakeholders involved in the trial. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also commended the scientists, engineers, and technicians for their dedication and contributions.
Team BharatShakti
