Astra missile test fired from Tejas jet successfully

IN yet another major step towards indigenisation of weapon systems, India has successfully test-fired beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) Astra from LCA Tejas AF MK1 off Odisha coast, paving the way for its integration in the indigenously developed fighter jet.

- HEMANT KUMAR ROUT @Bhubaneswar

Defence sources said Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) launched Astra from Tejas MK1 prototype fighter aircraft on Wednesday and the missile directly hit a moving target. All the subsystems performed accurately, meeting all mission parameters and objectives.

Designed and developed by DRDO, Astra missile is capable of engaging targets up to a range of over 100 km. The missile has been equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities that allow it to destroy targets with greater accuracy.