Astra Missile

Why in news?

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Ministry of Defence successfully test fired the indigenous Astra missile from Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Air Force Mark-1 prototype fighter aircraft.

About Astra Missile

• What is it: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles are those which are capable of striking beyond a range of 20 nautical miles or 37 km.
• Test site: Off Chandipur coast of Odisha
• Development and design: Designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Range: 100 km. Capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than
• Key Features: Equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities, capable of hitting targets with greater accuracy
  • It is being integrated with the indigenous LCA Tejas of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the MiG-29 of the Indian Navy in a phased manner.
• Organizations involved:
  • Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
  • Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC)
  • Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA)
  • Indian Air Force (IAF)