India successfully test-fired an indigenously built ASTRA Missile, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). The missile was test-fired from the prototype fighter aircraft of Tejas LCA AF MK1.
The Ministry of Defence said the test was conducted on March 12 off the Chandipur coast, Odisha. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted the trial, which was another step towards India's defence capabilities.
The Ministry confirmed that the missile hit a flying target successfully, with all subsystems functioning perfectly and achieving the mission objectives.
Developed and designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ASTRA missile has an engagement range of over 100 km. Its sophisticated guidance and navigation systems provide improved precision, leading to effective target destruction.
The missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force, and this successful test is an important milestone in integrating it with the LCA AF MK1A variant.
An official attributed the success to the tireless efforts of an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and technicians from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with key support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF, and the test range team.
More trials are scheduled to test performance parameters, the official said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and all concerned for the successful trial.
Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat also praised the efforts of scientists, engineers, and technicians from different organizations and industries towards this milestone achievement.
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