In a significant stride toward bolstering the aerial combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to conduct the inaugural test of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft. With an impressive strike range of 130 km, the Astra Mark 2 boasts the capacity to engage adversaries beyond visual range, thereby fortifying the nation's defensive capabilities.
Part of the broader Astra program, the Astra series of air-to-air missiles represents a concerted effort to augment the aerial combat prowess of the Indian Armed Forces. Preceded by the successful induction of the Astra Mark 1 missiles into both the Indian Air Force and Navy, the forthcoming test of the Astra Mark 2 heralds a new chapter in India's quest for air superiority.
According to senior defense officials, intensive efforts are currently underway to advance the development of the Astra Mark 2 missiles, with the inaugural test slated to unfold in the ensuing months. Central to this endeavor is the refinement of a specialized motor to extend the missile's strike range, which currently stands at 100 kilometers for the Astra Mark 1 and holds potential for further expansion.
The genesis of India's indigenous air-to-air missile system traces back to 2001 when DRDO commenced dialogue with key stakeholders to conceptualize and realize a missile system capable of engaging adversary targets beyond the visual spectrum. Hyderabad's Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) emerged as the pivotal nodal lab for spearheading this ambitious project, with a dedicated task force at the helm to propel the initiative forward through meticulous preliminary studies and strategic implementation.
