Astra, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile, test-fired onboard LCA Tejas

The ASTRA missile is designed and developed by the Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO), capable of engaging targets over 100km. (News Agency) -In a significant boost to the Air Force's striking capabilities, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted a test-launch of the homegrown ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype fighter plane, a government statement said. Being a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile means it can hit targets beyond a fighter pilot can see. The test launch was carried out on Wednesday off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha.The test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on a flying target. All the subsystems performed accurately, meeting all mission parameters and objectives. The ASTRA missile is designed and developed by the Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO), capable of engaging targets over 100km and, equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities, allows the missile to destroy targets with greater accuracy. The missile is already inducted into the Air Force. The successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant. The test fire is the result of hard work by the integrated team of scientists, engineers and technicians from the ADA, the DRDO, and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), along with support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF & Test range team, the statement added. Further trials are planned for the performance evaluation. After the successful test fire of ASTRA, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams of DRDO, Air Force, ADA, HAL and all the agencies who made the trial possible. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also appreciated the efforts of scientists, engineers and technicians from various organisations and industries.