SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its air combat capabilities with the induction of the Astra MkII Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), which has quietly entered Limited Series Production (LSP). This advanced missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology and strengthens its strategic posture in the region.
The Astra MkII, designed to outperform the Chinese PL-15E missile showcased by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on its J-10CE and JF-17 fighters, boasts a superior range and advanced technological features. Extensive testing of the missile, including captive flight trials on the IAF’s Su-30 MKI platform, has paved the way for its LSP approval earlier this year. Reports from idrw.org indicate that the Astra MkII has been tested in unguided mode and equipped with a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, enhancing its precision and effectiveness against modern aerial threats.
The LSP phase suggests that the IAF has likely begun receiving initial batches of the Astra MkII for its Su-30 MKI fleet, the primary platform for this missile. The Su-30 MKI’s integration with the Astra MkII positions it as a formidable asset in air superiority missions, capable of engaging targets at extended ranges. In the event of a conflict, the Astra MkII’s induction could provide a strategic advantage, offering a rapid and potent response to adversarial air forces.
While the Astra MkII is currently limited to the Su-30 MKI, its successful trials and entry into LSP signal a robust development pipeline. The missile’s advanced seeker technology and extended range make it a critical component of India’s air defense strategy, particularly in countering regional threats equipped with sophisticated air-to-air munitions.
The Astra MkII boasts a range well beyond 160 kilometers, placing it ahead of the PL-15E in reach and engagement envelope. This extended range, combined with its indigenous design and production by DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), ensures that India maintains an edge in its ability to counter threats at standoff distances without relying on foreign suppliers.
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.