Context: Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a successful flight test of the Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) Astra missile from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Astra Missiles.
About Astra Missile
- Astra is a Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) with a range exceeding 100 kms.
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- It is equipped with an art guidance and navigation system and indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker that provides it the ability to strike with high accuracy.
- One of the key technological achievements of the recent test was the validation of the Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.
- RF seeker detects and tracks the target using radio waves ensuring accurate terminal guidance.
- The missile (Astra Mk1) has already been inducted into service with the IAF. It is integrated in Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft; integration is underway in Tejas Mk1A fighter, and will be integrated in future in AMCA, Rafale etc.
Variants of Astra Missile
1. Astra Mk1:
- First-ever BVRAAM indigenously developed by India.
- Astra Mk-1 is 3.6 m long, and weighs 154 kg.
- Uses a single-pulse rocket motor with solid propellant that can propel the missile to a speed of Mach 4.5.
- It uses mid-course inertial guidance driven by a fibre-optic gyroscope.
- The maximum range is 110 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase.
- The missile could be launched from different altitudes.
2. Astra Mk2:
- It has a projected range of 140-160 km. Astra Mk-2 uses a dual-pulse rocket motor which dramatically increases its range and kill probability.
- It incorporates upgraded guidance algorithms and an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker.
- The missile is slated to achieve operational readiness by 2026.
3. Astra Mk3 (Gandiva missile):
- India and Russia are working together to build the future Astra Mk-3 missile powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) engine.
- Projected Range: 350 kms. This would put the Astra Mk3 in the same league as the world’s most advanced air-to-air missiles.
Successful Trials
- The test launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. The missiles destroyed the targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Significance of the Test
- Validates critical defence technology: Traditionally, India relied on imported RF seekers, which incurred high costs and also exposed supply chains to geopolitical uncertainties. The test validates the indigenous RF seeker which is a critical defence technology.
- Reinforces reliance on Astra missiles: Re-establishes the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system. It reinforces India’s growing technological edge in aerial warfare systems.
India’s successful test of the Astra missile with an indigenous RF seeker places it along the list of a few nations, like the US, Russia, France, and China, with advanced BVRAAM programs developed entirely within national borders.