SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in the development of its next-generation Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), commonly referred to as the Astra MkIII. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Astra MkI and MkII, this new variant aims to enhance India’s air combat capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge technology and achieving longer engagement ranges.

The Astra MkIII introduces a ramjet engine, a propulsion system that provides sustained thrust over longer distances, enabling the missile to maintain high speeds and manoeuvrability during mid-course flight. DRDO has completed successful ground trials of the missile system and is now preparing for air trials using the Su-30MKI as the testbed platform.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides with the Astra MK3, positioning it as a formidable contender in the realm of air-to-air missiles. Recent data showcases that the Astra MK3 boasts a 20% higher ramjet specific impulse compared to the European Meteor missile, suggesting that it could achieve greater speeds.

The ramjet specific impulse, which essentially measures the efficiency of the propulsion system in terms of thrust relative to fuel consumption, directly impacts the missile’s velocity. A 20% increase over the Meteor’s capabilities implies that the Astra MK3 can maintain higher speeds for longer periods, enhancing its engagement envelope during combat scenarios.