LCA Tejas Successfully Test-Fires Indigenous ASTRA Missile

On August 23, 2023, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7, accomplished a successful firing of the indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. This milestone was achieved off the coast of Goa. The missile was effectively released from the aircraft at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet. The test achieved all of its intended goals, constituting a flawless and meticulously executed launch as per the textbook guidelines.

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Significance of the Test

The successful launch of the indigenous Astra BVR missile from the domestically developed Tejas fighter aircraft is a significant stride in India’s pursuit of self-reliance (‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’) in defence technology. This achievement will greatly bolster Tejas’ combat capabilities and lessen the reliance on foreign-made weaponry.

About the ASTRA Missile

ASTRA, an advanced Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile capable of engaging and neutralizing fast-moving supersonic airborne targets, is an indigenous product of collaborative efforts by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and various other DRDO research units.

Astra is a fire-and-forget missile, which means that it does not require the pilot to keep the target in sight after launch.
It uses a passive radar seeker to track and engage the target.
Astra has been successfully flight-tested multiple times and is currently being integrated with the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
It is also being considered for integration with other fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Navy.

Astra is a significant development for India’s air defence capabilities. It will help to improve the air combat capability of the Indian Air Force and Navy.

Key features of Astra

Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile
Range: 100-150 km
Fire-and-forget capability
Passive radar seeker
High manoeuvrability
High kill probability

Astra is a powerful and versatile missile that will give the Indian Air Force and Navy a significant edge in air combat. It is a major step forward in India’s indigenous defence development programme.

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