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Defence scientists prepare to test delayed Astra missiles | Mail Online
After the successful launch of the Agni IV ballistic missile, Indian defence scientists are preparing to test the long-delayed, indigenous, beyond visual range, air-to-air missile Astra, in the coming weeks.
Astra, meant for the IAF's combat jets, will be test-fired within a month, officials said.
The missile has already been fitted on Sukhoi-30 MKIs at selected IAF bases and trial runs are underway.
On course: The Astra is built to be compatible the IAF's frontline combat jets
The Astra will soon be fired from the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) test facility at Chandipur-on-sea.
The BVR missile can engage targets in the range of between 20 and 80km. The officials said preparations are in full swing
The missile has an active radar seeker and internal guidance system to lock on targets. The IAF currently uses imported R-77s and super 530D BVR missiles.
The production of the indigenous missile Astra will be a crucial milestone for India's defence technology capability.
The missile, which had failed during earlier trials, can be fitted on an entire range of combat jets under operation in the IAF and also the soon-to-be-inducted Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
The success of Astra is crucial as it will add another feather to the DRDO's cap. The organisation claims to have made progress on stalled projects in recent months.
After the successful launch of the Agni IV ballistic missile, Indian defence scientists are preparing to test the long-delayed, indigenous, beyond visual range, air-to-air missile Astra, in the coming weeks.
Astra, meant for the IAF's combat jets, will be test-fired within a month, officials said.
The missile has already been fitted on Sukhoi-30 MKIs at selected IAF bases and trial runs are underway.
On course: The Astra is built to be compatible the IAF's frontline combat jets
The Astra will soon be fired from the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) test facility at Chandipur-on-sea.
The BVR missile can engage targets in the range of between 20 and 80km. The officials said preparations are in full swing
The missile has an active radar seeker and internal guidance system to lock on targets. The IAF currently uses imported R-77s and super 530D BVR missiles.
The production of the indigenous missile Astra will be a crucial milestone for India's defence technology capability.
The missile, which had failed during earlier trials, can be fitted on an entire range of combat jets under operation in the IAF and also the soon-to-be-inducted Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
The success of Astra is crucial as it will add another feather to the DRDO's cap. The organisation claims to have made progress on stalled projects in recent months.
