SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Vinod Kumar, General Manager (NP & OP) at Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), has announced that the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) clearance for the production of the Astra Mk1 missile marks a significant milestone for the company. This clearance is expected to bolster BDL’s efforts to scale up production of the beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, which is a key component of India’s air defence capabilities.
BDL, as the designated production agency for the Astra Mk1, is already in discussions with the IAF for a larger order of the missile. The IAF is keen to expand the deployment of the Astra Mk1 across its fleet, recognizing the missile’s superior performance in terms of range and Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities compared to the Russian R-77 BVR missile, which has long been a staple of Russian fighter jets globally.
The Astra Mk1’s advanced features make it an attractive option not only for the IAF but also for other air forces that operate the Su-30 fighter jets. BDL is actively offering the missile to Su-30 operators worldwide, positioning it as a superior alternative to the R-77.
With the production line for the Astra Mk1 now fully established, BDL is well-prepared to ramp up production to meet the anticipated demand from the IAF and potential export orders from friendly countries. This development not only strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities but also enhances the country’s position in the global defence market as a reliable supplier of advanced missile systems.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.