Astra Mk1 / Mk2 BVR AAM

Astra Mk1 / Mk2 BVR AAM

Type: missile

Domain: air

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)

Overview

India's indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, providing Indian Air Force fighters with domestically-produced BVR combat capability. Astra Mk1 features an active radar seeker, solid-fuel rocket motor, maximum range of 110+ km, and a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead with proximity fuse. The missile uses mid-course inertial guidance with datalink updates from the launch aircraft, transitioning to autonomous active radar homing in the terminal phase. Lock-on-after-launch capability enables engagement of targets beyond the launch aircraft's radar range when cued by AWACS. Compatible with Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Tejas, and other IAF fighters. Astra Mk2 under development extends range to 160+ km with a more powerful dual-pulse rocket motor and improved seeker. The Astra programme reduces India's dependence on imported R-77 and Derby missiles. Operationally deployed from 2019 with over 200 missiles ordered. Astra represents a significant milestone in India's indigenous weapons development.

Technical Specifications

speedMach 4.5+
guidanceActive radar homing + INS midcourse
mk1_range~80 km
mk2_range~160 km (estimated)
propulsionDual-pulse solid rocket motor
launch_platformsSu-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A (Mk1); Tejas Mk2 (Mk2)

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems