SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the cusp of a significant upgrade in India’s aerial combat capabilities with the Astra Mk2 (Astra-2) missile, which is poised to become the primary Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapon in the Indian arsenal. This development does not, however, diminish the importance of the Astra Mk1 (Astra-1), which remains vital for building a robust domestic supply chain for BVR missiles.
The Astra-2 missile is undergoing rigorous developmental trials, with expectations to complete these by 2026, leading directly into production.
Astra-2 boasts a range of 145-160 km, varying with launch altitudes, surpassing the Astra-1’s capabilities. This extended reach is particularly advantageous for engaging targets at a safer distance from potential counterattacks.
Utilizing a dual-pulse motor, Astra-2 has already demonstrated its propulsion efficiency in unguided test launches, ensuring it can achieve the necessary speed and range for modern air-to-air combat.
The missile is set to be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker. The forthcoming tests in 2025 will focus on validating this seeker’s ability to engage aerial targets at both the maximum and minimum of its operational range spectrum, showcasing its precision and effectiveness.
The Indian military envisions a layered approach where both Astra-1 and Astra-2 serve distinct but complementary roles. Astra-1 for immediate operational needs and supply chain development, and Astra-2 for future engagements where its superior range and technology can be leveraged.
The full-range test of Astra-2 in 2025 will be a critical milestone, demonstrating not just the missile’s reach but its ability to engage in combat scenarios at different altitudes and ranges, ensuring its readiness for operational deployment.
The integration of Astra-2 into India’s defence strategy marks a step towards parity with global leaders in air-to-air missile technology. However, the continued production and deployment of Astra-1 underscore a strategic approach to defence manufacturing – ensuring that while innovation pushes forward, the foundations for sustained, independent production are also solidified.
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