Balasore: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday successfully test-fired beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ equipped with indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker, from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, two missiles were fired against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. Both tests achieved pinpoint accuracy, destroying the targets mid-air. “The flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by range tracking instruments deployed at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur,” it said.
These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker, the ministry added.
Astra, with a strike range of over 100 km and state-of-the art guidance and navigation system, gives pilots the ability to neutralise threats long before they come into visual contact. In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have contributed towards developing the weapon system.
There could be more missile tests in the offing since Odisha has imposed a two-day ban on marine fishing on July 17 and July 18. This temporary restriction applies to the coastal districts – Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur. The DRDO is expected to conduct tests from ITR at Chandipur in Balasore district as well as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Bhadrak district.