Sukhoi Su-30MKI test-fires Astra BVR air-to-air missile

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter on Tuesday successfully test-fired the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Astra missile with a range of over 70 kilometers off Odisha coast as part of user trials. The Astra missile, which can fly towards its target at a speed of over 5,555 kilometres per hour (4.5 Mach) with a 15 kilogramme high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead, was test-fired under the guidance of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Su-30MKI combat aircraft that took off from an airbase in West Bengal.

"The live aerial target was engaged accurately demonstrating the capability of first indigenous air-to-air missile. The mission profile was executed in a text book manner. Various Radars, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Sensors tracked the missile and confirmed its engagement with target. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and Air Force teams for the successful test," the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

The indigenously-developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra missile has been developed by DRDO and integrated on Su-30MKI and other air platforms, a previous statement from the research organisation said. Modfications of the Su-30MKI jets to accommodate Astra missiles has been carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). More than 50 private and public sector industries have been involved in the development and production of Astra missile.

In October 2018, the IAF had successfully test-fired the solid propellant Astra missile several times over a period of a week to judge its capability in the engagement of pilotless target in different modes of manoeuvring, off-boresight, medium and long ranges.

JOINT EFFORT

Modfications of the Su-30MKI jets to accommodate Astra missiles has been carried out by HAL. More than 50 private and public industries were involved in production of Astra