DRDO & IAF Successfully Test Indigenous Astra BVRAAM from Su-30 Mk-I
Defence
3 min read
In a significant boost to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capability, the indigenously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, was successfully tested at Chandipur, Odisha, on 11 July 2025.
The trial was conducted jointly by the IAF and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile was fired from the IAF Su-30 Mk-I aircraft, and it successfully hit the two high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges.
According to the DRDO, the indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker performed flawlessly, and the test has validated the indigenously developed technology.
Significance of the Recent Test
The DRDO-developed Astra air-to-air missile has been integrated with the Su-30 Mk-I aircraft of the IAF, and it is planned to be integrated with the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1, the Indian Navy’s MiG-29 K, and the Rafale.
The recently tested Astra missile was equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency Seeker.
The Radio Frequency Seeker is mounted on a guided missile that is capable of tracking the target.
The Radio Frequency Seeker is a type of radar whose antenna collects the electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency) that is reflected from the target or emanates from the target .
This enables the missile to engage and hit the target precisely, with a kill probability exceeding 90%.
About Astra Missile System
ASTRA is an indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) system that can be fired from a fighter aircraft.
It consists of a missile and a missile launcher..
It is a tactical missile that can engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic fighter aircraft.
Tactical missiles are short-range missiles that are used on the battlefield to destroy enemy targets.
The missile has all-weather day and night capability and uses solid rocket motors for propulsion.
Range- 80-110 km
Flight duration - 100-120 seconds
Maximum Speed- 4.5 Machs(one Mach equals the speed of sound)
Manufacturer of the Missile - Hyderabad-based public sector defence company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Chairman of the DRDO- DR Samir V Kamath
