In a major boost to India's indigenous defense capabilities, the homegrown ASTRA beyond visual range air-to-air missile was successfully test fired from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter jet on Wednesday. The test launch was carried out off the coast of Goa and monitored by officials from various organizations including ADA, DRDO, HAL and CEMILAC.

Test firing of the ASTRA missile from the Tejas jet.

The successful test firing of the ASTRA missile from the Tejas jet is a significant milestone as it validates the integration of the missile on the indigenous fighter. The ASTRA missile has been developed by premier defense research organization DRDO to engage maneuvering supersonic aerial targets at beyond visual range.

ASTRA

DRDO laboratories including Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Center Imarat (RCI) have jointly developed the state-of-the-art missile. Capable of engaging targets over 100 km away, the Astra-1 can fly over 4 times the speed of sound and performs high-g maneuvers during the terminal phase. DRDO is also developing an Astra-2 missile with 160 km range.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved in the successful test firing. He said the integration of ASTRA on Tejas will significantly enhance its combat capability while reducing dependence on imported weapons.

  • The indigenously developed ASTRA missile was successfully test-fired from the Tejas fighter jet on August 23, 2023.
  • The missile was fired from a Tejas jet at an altitude of 20,000 feet and hit a target at a range of 100 kilometers.
  • The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • The successful test-firing of the ASTRA missile is a major milestone for the Indian defense industry.
  • It demonstrates the country's ability to develop and deploy advanced weapons systems indigenously.
  • The ASTRA missile is a medium-range air-to-air missile (MRAAM) that can engage maneuvering supersonic aerial targets at beyond visual range.
  • The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art active radar seeker that allows it to track and engage targets even beyond visual range.
  • The successful test-firing of the ASTRA missile is a major boost for the IAF.
  • It will now be able to deploy an indigenously developed MRAAM on its Tejas fleet.

The successful test-firing of the ASTRA missile is a major achievement for India. It demonstrates the country's growing defense capabilities and its commitment to self-reliance in defense production. The ASTRA missile is a valuable addition to the IAF's inventory and will significantly enhance its air combat capabilities.

On Tuesday, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari had reviewed the LCA program and called the Tejas fighter the flag bearer of indigenization efforts in the Indian Air Force. He was briefed that all contracted LCA Mk1 aircraft have been delivered to the IAF.

Additionally, a contract for 83 LCA Mk1A fighters was signed in 2021 and their deliveries are expected to begin by February 2024 as per assurances given by HAL Chairman. The IAF Chief said the Mk1A could be inducted in a new forward base squadron next year, leading to increased deployments and participation in international exercises.

The timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A will boost the IAF's fighter squadron strength: The IAF currently has a fleet of 32 LCA Tejas Mk1 aircraft. The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1 with a number of improvements, including a more powerful engine, a glass cockpit, and an indigenous electronic warfare suite. The IAF plans to induct 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by 2030. This will boost the IAF's fighter squadron strength to 45 squadrons, which is the minimum number of squadrons required to meet India's national security requirements.

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