TV
In a major leap for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have successfully flight-tested the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’, now equipped with a homegrown Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.
The milestone test was conducted on July 11, 2025, from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter jet over the Bay of Bengal off Odisha’s coast.
During this crucial evaluation, two separate launches were executed targeting high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles. Each missile engaged its target under varying range and launch conditions, registering direct hits with remarkable precision.
This test validated the performance of all subsystems, particularly the RF seeker, a significant achievement as it was entirely designed and developed within India by DRDO scientists.
The flight data, meticulously captured by Range Tracking instruments at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, confirmed the Astra system’s flawless execution.
The Astra BVRAAM is designed to strike targets over 100 km away and features advanced guidance and navigation systems. This feat has been the result of collaborative efforts, with more than 50 Indian public and private sector firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), contributing to the missile’s development.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success as a landmark in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical defence technologies. He praised DRDO, IAF, and industry partners for their roles in achieving this technological milestone.
Echoing the sentiment, DRDO Chairman and Secretary of Defence R&D Dr. Samir V Kamat congratulated all the teams involved, calling the accomplishment a testament to India’s growing prowess in cutting-edge weapons systems.
This success not only strengthens India’s aerial combat capabilities but also marks a pivotal step in establishing the indigenous Astra as a world-class air superiority weapon.
