IAF Approves 200 Unit Production of Astra Mk-1 Missile

Astra Mark 1 Missile Production Approval

• Indian Air Force (IAF) gives clearance for production of 200 Astra Mark 1 missiles
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) approved as the production agency
• Clearance given during IAF Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit's visit to Hyderabad
• Project worth over ₹2,900 crore, approved by Defence Acquisition Council in 2022-23
• Production clearance follows completion of all tests and developments

Astra Missile System Specifications and Capabilities

• Astra Mark 1 is India's first beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile
• Range of 80-110 km with maximum speed of 4.5 Mach
• Capable of destroying aerial targets including fighter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones
• To be integrated on Russian-origin Su-30MKI and indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft
• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Uses Indian-made radar seeker and advanced guidance systems

Future Developments and Strategic Importance

• DRDO working on Astra Mark 2 with increased range of 130-160 km using dual pulse rocket motor
• Plans for long-range Astra with 300 km strike capability
• Part of India's push for self-reliance in defence technology
• Strengthens India's aerial combat capabilities and national security
• Several other indigenous missile projects nearing completion, including air-to-ground missiles

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Its Role

• BDL is a public sector company set up in 1970 under Union Ministry of Defence
• Specializes in manufacturing guided missile systems and allied equipment
• One of few companies globally with state-of-the-art facilities for guided missiles and underwater weapons
• Four manufacturing units across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
• Current CMD: Retd. Commodore A Madhavrao
• Headquarters in Hyderabad, Telangana