Indian MiG-29 fighters may receive the Astra Mk1 air-to-air missile with an increased engagement range. Developers are considering upgrading the existing version of the munition to turn it into a more effective BVR long-range air combat weapon.

Astra Mk1 is already being integrated with Indian combat aircraft, including the MiG-29, and further development of the project involves increasing the missile's range. Earlier it was reported that the promising upgraded version could have a range of about 160 km compared to approximately 100–110 km for the basic variant.

The Astra Mk1 missile is a medium-range air-to-air missile designed to destroy enemy aircraft beyond visual range. It is equipped with an active radar homing head, a data link system for the mid-course phase, and a solid-propellant rocket engine.

The main change being considered for the updated variant is related to increasing the engine's energy without switching to a more complex dual-pulse scheme. This will allow the missile to maintain speed and energy longer in the final flight segment, which increases the probability of hitting maneuvering targets at long range.

For the MiG-29, this will be a serious enhancement of capabilities. The aircraft, created back in Soviet times, after modernization receives new weapon systems and is capable of using modern long-range missiles.