SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has marked a significant milestone with the completion of ground-based testing for the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, designed for the Astra MkIII Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). However, according to sources close to idrw.org, the journey from ground to sky might take longer than anticipated.
The transition to air-to-air flight trials is fraught with complexities, requiring not just the integration of the missile with various fighter aircraft but also compatibility with their radar systems. This is particularly crucial for the Astra MkIII, which is engineered to engage targets at extended ranges – surpassing the 300km mark for strategic assets like AWACS and in-flight refueling aircraft, and over 200km for conventional fighter-sized targets.
The integration process involves detailed testing to ensure that the missile can communicate effectively with the aircraft’s avionics, particularly the radar, which must track and guide the missile accurately over these extended distances. This necessitates a series of developmental trials that are inherently “tricky” due to the need for precision in such long-range engagements.
According to an Indian Air Force (IAF) official cited by idrw.org, the Astra MkIII is not expected to enter service until 2031. This timeline reflects the extensive testing and validation required to ensure the missile’s reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios.
The development of the Astra MkIII is pivotal for India’s air defence strategy, aiming to provide the IAF with capabilities to counter high-value, long-range aerial threats. The missile’s advanced propulsion system and extended range are intended to serve as force multipliers, enhancing the survivability and operational range of Indian aircraft in contested skies.
As the project progresses, DRDO is expected to conduct a series of flight tests which will incrementally build confidence in the missile’s performance. Each test phase will validate different aspects of the missile’s operation, from launch and guidance to terminal phase engagement. The delay in service entry underscores the meticulous approach needed to develop and deploy such sophisticated defence technology.
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