The Indian Air Force has approved the production of Astra Mk-1 missiles, which will be integrated with the Sukhoi-30 MKI and the LCA Tejas.
About Astra Mk-1 Missile:
- Astra Mk-1 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR), Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) designed for engagements beyond 20 nautical miles or 37 kilometres.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to reduce dependency on foreign missile technologies.
- The missile boasts a range of approximately 110 kilometres, with further versions like Mk-2 and Mk-3 under development, promising ranges of over 150 kilometres and even greater distances, respectively. Another version smaller than Mk-1 is also in the pipeline.
Key Specifications:
- Astra Mk-1 has a maximum range of about 110 kilometres.
- The missile can travel over four times the speed of sound, reaching speeds that greatly enhance its interception capabilities.
- Capable of reaching altitudes up to 20 kilometres, it operates well beyond the effective range of most ground-based air defense systems.
Key Features:
- Astra Mk-1 is integral in providing large stand-off ranges to fighter aircraft, allowing them to neutralize enemy air assets without entering the adversary’s air defense range.
- This missile system is noted for its technological and economic superiority compared to many imported systems.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is Astra Mk-1?
Astra Mk-1 is an indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) by India’s DRDO, designed for long-range engagements.
How powerful is the Astra missile?
The Astra missile is powerful enough to hit targets at a range of approximately 110 kilometers and can travel over four times the speed of sound.
What is the difference between Astra and BrahMos?
Astra is an air-to-air missile designed for fighter aircraft, whereas BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile used for precision strikes against ground and sea targets.