Astra MkII: India's Next-Gen Air-to-Air Missile Unveiled at Exercise Bharat Shakti

Defense News ,India :- The Astra MkII, the next-generation air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), made its public debut at Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran, Rajasthan on March 12, 2024. This unveiling was a pivotal moment, showcasing indigenous missile capabilities and their potential to bolster the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat prowess..

The Astra MkII is an indigenously developed missile that promises to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat capabilities. It has a range of over 160 kilometers and is equipped with an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker. This allows it to detect and track targets with greater precision, even in low-visibility conditions.

During the exercise, the missile underwent successful test-firing from a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, showcasing the IAF's adeptness in seamlessly integrating the Astra MkII with its existing fleet of platforms.

The unveiling of the Astra MkII is a major milestone in India's defense research and development program. It is a testament to the country's growing capabilities in the field of advanced weapon systems.

The Astra MkII is expected to be inducted into the IAF in the near future. It will provide the IAF with a much-needed boost in its air combat capabilities.

Key features of the Astra MkII include:

• Development spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Fueled by solid propellant and powered by a ramjet engine.
• Capable of achieving speeds of up to Mach 4.5.
• Payload capacity of up to 20 kilograms.
• Equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS) and a GPS receiver for precision guidance.
• Features an active radar seeker for terminal guidance.

The Astra MkII represents a substantial enhancement to the IAF's arsenal, fortifying its air combat prowess to meet contemporary challenges head-on.