The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’, equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.
This test took place from the Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha on July 11, 2025. During the testing, two launches were performed against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at varying ranges, target aspects, and launch platform conditions. In both instances, the missiles accurately destroyed the targets.
All subsystems performed as expected during the tests, including the RF seeker, which was designed and developed by the DRDO. The Astra weapon system’s flawless performance was verified through flight data captured by range tracking instruments deployed at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. These successful flight tests have reaffirmed the accuracy and reliable performance of the Astra weapon system with its indigenous seeker.
The Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100 kilometres and features a state-of-the-art guidance and navigation system. In addition to various DRDO laboratories, over 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, contributed to the successful realisation of this weapon system.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, IAF, and the industries involved in the design and development of the RF seeker, stating that the successful testing of the missile with the indigenous seeker marks a significant milestone in critical defence technology.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated all teams involved in the successful flight test.
