India-made Astra missiles ordered for IAF and Navy
In a boost to Make-inIndia, defence ministry on Tuesday signed around `3,000 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for supply of Astra Mk-I beyond visual range (BVR) air to air missile for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
This is first major contract for Astra missile. Astra Mk-I missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the Indian Air Force, is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft and will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The Indian Navy will integrate the missile on the MiG 29K fighter aircraft.
Till now, the technology to manufacture missile of this class indigenously was not available. Astra Mk-I BVR air to air missile has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the requirements issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement reducing the dependency on foreign sources.
THIS IS FIRST major contract for Astra missile. Astra Mk-I missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the Indian Air Force, is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft and will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas).
Air to air missile with beyond visual range (BVR) capability provides large stand off ranges to fighter aircraft which can neutralise the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to adversary air defence measures, gaining and sustaining superiority of the air space. “This missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems,” said defence ministry.
Astra Mk-I missile and all associated systems for its launch, ground handling and testing has been developed by DRDO in coordination with the IAF.
The transfer of technology from DRDO to BDL for production of Astra Mk-I missile and all associated systems has been completed and production at BDL is in progress.