In a remarkable step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, DRDO and the Indian Air Force have successfully test-fired the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft, strengthening India’s aerial combat capabilities.
The test, conducted at an undisclosed airbase, marked a major leap in India's self-reliance in advanced weapon systems. The Astra missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed for high-speed engagements beyond visual range, giving India a significant edge in air superiority missions.
This indigenous missile has a range of about 100 km and can engage highly maneuverable targets in all weather conditions. Its integration with the Su-30 Mk-I platform was handled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and tested in close coordination with the IAF.
The successful test demonstrates not only the technological prowess of Indian defense R&D but also the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force to deploy cutting-edge indigenous systems in real-world scenarios.
Officials have stated that further series of tests and integration with other fighter aircraft like the Tejas are also planned in the coming months.
This successful mission is a proud moment for India’s defense ecosystem, aligning with the vision of making the country self-reliant in defense production and reducing dependency on imported weaponry.
