Visakhapatnam: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the flight-test of indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ equipped with indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha.

The test fire was held on July 11 during which two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. In both the cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy.

During the tests, all subsystems performed as per expectations, including the RF seeker which has been indigenously designed and developed by the DRDO.

The flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by range tracking instruments deployed by integrated test range, Chandipur. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker.

Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100-km and is equipped with state-of-the art guidance and navigation system. In addition to various laboratories of the DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have contributed towards successful realisation of the weapon system.

Complimenting the DRDO, IAF and industry involved in the design and development of the RF seeker, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the successful testing of the missile with indigenous seeker is a major milestone in critical defence technology.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated all the teams involved during the successful flight-test.