Astra, India's first Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), marks a significant milestone in strengthening the country's defense capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Astra is positioned as an alternative to the widely used Russian R-77 missile. The Indian missile can be launched from Su-30 fighters, writes the Eurasian Times.
Astra is currently in production, and we expect to receive additional orders. We are also exploring the possibility of exporting the Astra missile.
His words underscore India's growing confidence in its own defense technologies, as well as its ambitions in the global arms market. As Eurasian Times writes, Astra has successfully passed all tests, including integration with the Su-30 fighter, and is now fully operational. There are also plans to integrate the missile with the Indian Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
Astra missile features:
- Accuracy — over 90%
- Range — over 100 km
- Length — 3840 mm, diameter — 178 mm
- Streamlined aerodynamic profile
- High-explosive fragmentation warhead
- Reaches speeds of up to 4.5 Mach
As Astra boasts advanced performance characteristics, BDL is actively exploring export opportunities. The company is focused on countries operating Su-30 fighters. BDL is already in talks with at least one Su-30 operator. Potential clients include countries in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.
Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Venezuela, Uganda, Indonesia, Angola, and Algeria may acquire Astra.
What makes Astra particularly attractive to these countries is its compatibility with Russian-made aircraft, as well as its superiority over the widely used Russian R-77 missile.
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