Key Takeaways
- The Tejas LCA MK1 successfully test-fired the Astra missile beyond visual range.
- The Astra missile is a beyond visual range air-to-air missile developed by DRDO, capable of engaging targets over 100km.
- The successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of LCA AF MK1A variant into the Indian Air Force.
New Delhi: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on Wednesday successfully test fired homegrown Astra, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft.
The test fire was carried out off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, a Defence Ministry statement said.
The test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on flying target. All the subsystems performed accurately meeting all mission parameters and objectives.
Astra missile is designed and developed by DRDO capable of engaging the targets over 100km and equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities allows missile to destroy targets with greater accuracy.
The missile is already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of LCA AF MK1A variant. The success is the result of hard work by the integrated team of scientists, engineers and technicians from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF and test range team. Further trials are planned towards the performance evaluation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the teams of DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL and all involved in the trial.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts of scientists, engineers and technicians from various organisations and industry.
