Astra Mk1 / Mk2 BVR AAM
Type: Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Domain: air
Country of Origin: India
Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)
Overview
India's indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, providing Indian Air Force fighters with domestically-produced BVR combat capability. Astra Mk1 features an active radar seeker, solid-fuel rocket motor, maximum range of 110+ km, and a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead with proximity fuse. The missile uses mid-course inertial guidance with datalink updates from the launch aircraft, transitioning to autonomous active radar homing in the terminal phase. Lock-on-after-launch capability enables engagement of targets beyond the launch aircraft's radar range when cued by AWACS. Compatible with Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Tejas, and other IAF fighters. Astra Mk2 under development extends range to 160+ km with a more powerful dual-pulse rocket motor and improved seeker. The Astra programme reduces India's dependence on imported R-77 and Derby missiles. Operationally deployed from 2019 with over 200 missiles ordered. Astra represents a significant milestone in India's indigenous weapons development.
Technical Specifications
| speed | Mach 4.5+ |
|---|---|
| guidance | Active radar homing + INS midcourse |
| mk1_range | ~80 km |
| mk2_range | ~160 km (estimated) |
| propulsion | Dual-pulse solid rocket motor |
| launch_platforms | Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A (Mk1); Tejas Mk2 (Mk2) |
Operators
- India
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