Defense

Successful flight-test of Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile from Su-30 Mk-I

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a successful flight-test. They tested the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’. It was equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker. The test took place from the Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha on July 11, 2025. During the tests, two launches targeted high-speed unmanned aerial targets. These targets were at different ranges and target aspects. The launches also took into account various launch platform conditions. In both the cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy.

DRDO & IAF conduct successful flight-test of Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile
with indigenous Radio Frequency Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I

Flawless Performance of the Astra

During the tests, all subsystems performed as per expectations. This includes the RF seeker. The RF seeker has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. The Astra weapon system performed flawlessly. This was validated through flight data. Range Tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, captured this data. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker.

Also read: DRDO Odisha conducts successful VSHORADS Flight Trials

Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100 kms and is equipped with state-of-the art guidance and navigation system. Various laboratories of DRDO have contributed to the weapon system. More than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, have participated successfully in its realisation.

Applauds from Rajnath Singh

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF, and the industry. They were involved in the design and development of the RF seeker. He stated that the missile’s successful testing with the indigenous seeker is a major milestone. This achievement is crucial in defence technology.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated all the teams. They were involved during the successful flight-test.

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