SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides in bolstering the country’s defence capabilities with the ongoing development of the Supersonic Target (STAR) missile. Designed primarily as a high-speed target to train air defence units in countering supersonic projectiles, the STAR missile is poised to enhance the readiness of India’s armed forces against modern aerial threats.
Additionally, Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) can confirm that DRDO is exploring the development of an air-to-air missile variant of STAR, potentially expanding its role beyond training to include offensive capabilities such as anti-AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and anti-radiation missions.
The STAR missile is engineered to simulate the behavior of modern supersonic anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles, traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5. Powered by a Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) engine, the missile offers extended range and endurance compared to traditional solid-fuel rocket motors, making it an ideal platform for replicating high-speed, agile threats. This capability is critical for training surface warship crews and air defence units to detect, track, and engage incoming supersonic threats, a skill increasingly vital in modern warfare scenarios. The missile’s ability to perform sharp maneuvers and rapid altitude changes further enhances its realism, preparing defence operators for high-stakes combat environments.
According to recent updates, the STAR program has progressed to Phase-III development, focusing on full-system integration and advanced validation trials. Fabrication of key components, including rocket motor casings and nozzles, is underway, with developmental trials expected to commence in late 2024 or early 2025. These trials will evaluate the missile’s accuracy, reliability, and performance under simulated combat conditions, marking a critical step toward operational deployment. The STAR missile’s versatility allows it to simulate threats across air, land, and naval domains, making it a valuable asset for the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Beyond its role as a training tool, DRDO is exploring the development of an air-launched variant of the STAR missile, which could serve as a formidable air-to-air weapon. Sources cited by idrw.org indicate that this variant is being designed for integration with fighter platforms such as the indigenous LCA Tejas, potentially enabling it to target high-value assets like enemy AWACS and radar installations. This air-to-air missile could have a range of 55–175 km and operate at altitudes from 0.1 to 10 km, with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.2–1.9 m² across multiple frequency bands (S, C, X, Ku). The missile’s LFRJ propulsion system, which leverages atmospheric oxygen for sustained high-speed flight, makes it particularly suited for engaging fast-moving targets at extended ranges.
The proposed air-to-air variant aligns with DRDO’s broader efforts to develop advanced air-to-air missiles, such as the Astra Mk3, which utilizes Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology. While the Astra Mk3 program has faced technological challenges, the STAR missile’s LFRJ technology offers a complementary approach, potentially providing the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a diverse arsenal of long-range air-to-air missiles. The development of an anti-AWACS and anti-radiation missile variant could significantly enhance India’s ability to neutralize enemy surveillance and communication systems, offering a strategic advantage in aerial warfare.
The STAR missile’s LFRJ engine represents a significant technological achievement for DRDO, with potential applications beyond the STAR program. The same propulsion technology is being developed for the Astra Mk3, highlighting DRDO’s focus on mastering ramjet technology to enhance missile range and speed. By utilizing atmospheric oxygen, ramjets reduce the need for onboard oxidizers, allowing for lighter, more efficient missiles capable of sustained supersonic flight. This innovation not only improves the STAR missile’s performance as a target drone but also positions its air-to-air variant as a competitive alternative to global systems.
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