Bharat Dynamics to supply Astra missiles worth ~2,971 cr

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed a contract on Tuesday with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for building Astra Mark-1 beyond visual range air-toair missiles (BVRAAMS) worth ~2,971 crore for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Navy.

The Astra Mark-1 missile, which has been developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), can engage enemy fighter aircraft at ranges of up to 75 kilometres, the MOD told the Lok Sabha on May 6, 2016.

“Till now, the technology to manufacture missile of this class indigenously was not available,” the MOD stated on Tuesday. Developed by the DRDO, it will be procured under the high-priority “Buy (Indian – Indian designed, developed and manufactured)”, or Buy (Indian – IDDM) category.

“The missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the IAF, is fully integrated on the Sukhoi30 MKI 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,” stated the MOD.

“The Astra’s BVR capability provides large “standoff ranges” to our own fighter aircraft, allowing them to neutralise the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to adversary air defence measures… This missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems,” said the MOD.

“The transfer of technology from DRDO to BDL for production of Astra Mark-i missile and all associated systems has been completed and production at BDL is in progress. This project will act as a catalyst for development of infrastructure and testing facilities at BDL. It will also create opportunities for several MSMES (micro, small and medium enterprises) in aerospace technology for at least 25 years,” stated the MOD.

With the IAF operating 600-700 fighter aircraft, it will need several thousand Astra missiles. With air-to-air missiles costing about ~15 crore each, the

Astra will provide major business opportunities to Indian firms.

The Astra BVRAAM involves radically different technology challenges compared to ballistic and tactical missiles. A typical Astra engagement has both the launcher and the target moving at speeds in excess of 1,000 kmph.

Only a handful of missile builders — in the US, Russia, Europe and China — have mastered technologies that go into BVRAAMS. India is now joining that elite group.

On the drawing board is a longerrange Astra Mark II, which will shoot down enemy fighters at ranges up to 100 km away.