The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired the Astra air-to-air missile system off the Odisha coast from a Su-30MKI. The missile fired from a Su-30MKI fighter jet can strike targets beyond 100 km. Reportedly, DRDO will soon be equipping the Astra missile system on Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS MK-1A and MiG-29 UPG.
About Astra Missile System – It is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile system which has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO to take down enemy aircraft and drones. The missile is designed to engage and destroy aerial targets at various ranges and altitudes. Further, it has a range of up to 110 km and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 20 km. The missile is capable of engaging both agile and non-manoeuvering targets, making it highly versatile in air-to-air combat situations.
The per unit cost of the missile is around Rs 7-8 crore (US$−1.0 million).
