New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has authorized the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to manufacture 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for the Su-30 and LCA Tejas fighter jets.
The authorization was granted during a visit by IAF Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Hyderabad, where DRDO and BDL, the development and production agencies respectively, are located, as senior defence officials reported to India Today TV.
The Defence Acquisition Council approved the program for both the IAF and Indian Navy, planning the production of 248 missiles for the 2022-23 period.
The Astra missile series, designed to boost the Indian Armed Forces’ aerial combat capabilities, includes the already inducted Astra Mark 1, with the Mark 2 variant currently in development. The latter, boasting a 130 km range, is expected to undergo its first test soon.
Efforts are focused on a specialized motor to increase the missile’s range, with the current Astra Mark 1 having up to 100 km range and potential for enhancement.
The initiative for an indigenous air-to-air missile system started in 2001 with DRDO’s discussions with stakeholders, aiming to create a system for engaging targets beyond visual range. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad was chosen as the lead lab, and a task force was established to conduct preliminary studies and advance the project.