On March 12, 2025, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Air Force (IAF), has achieved a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities with the successful test launch of the ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). The test was conducted off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, using the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft. This successful test-firing marks a critical step forward in the development and operationalization of India’s homegrown defence technologies.
The ASTRA missile demonstrated its precision by achieving a direct hit on a flying target during the test. This confirms the missile’s ability to engage and neutralize airborne threats with high accuracy. The test validated the missile’s guidance, navigation, and control systems, which are critical for engaging targets beyond visual range.
The ASTRA missile is a state-of-the-art BVRAAM designed and developed by DRDO. It is capable of engaging aerial targets at distances exceeding 100 kilometers. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, including an active radar seeker and mid-course inertial navigation, the missile can track and destroy targets with exceptional precision. The missile is designed to be compatible with multiple fighter aircraft, including the LCA Tejas, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and other platforms in the IAF’s inventory.
The successful test-firing from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype demonstrates the seamless integration of the ASTRA missile with India’s indigenous fighter aircraft. This achievement is a significant step toward the induction of the LCA Tejas AF MK1A variant, which is expected to feature enhanced capabilities and improved performance.
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The success of the test is the result of the hard work and dedication of an integrated team comprising scientists, engineers, and technicians from ADA, DRDO, HAL, CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification), DG-AQA (Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance), IAF, and the Test Range team.
The collaboration between these organizations highlights the strength of India’s defence research and development ecosystem. The ASTRA missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force, and this successful test further validates its operational readiness and reliability.
The missile’s induction enhances the IAF’s air superiority capabilities, providing a significant edge in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios. Additional trials are planned to further evaluate the missile’s performance under various conditions and scenarios. These tests will ensure that the ASTRA missile meets all operational requirements and is ready for widespread deployment.
Shri Rajnath Singh, India’s Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister), congratulated the teams from DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and all other stakeholders involved in the successful test. He praised their efforts in achieving this milestone, which strengthens India’s defence capabilities.
