India Concludes Successful Tests Of Astra Air-to-Air Missile - Defense Ministry

The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with the help of Su-30MKI fighter jets, the Indian Defense Ministry said Thursday

NEW DELHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th September, 2019) The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with the help of Su-30MKI fighter jets, the Indian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The tests were conducted from September 16-19, according to the press release.

"The five trials conducted during this period tested missiles in different configurations. During the campaign, three missiles were launched in combat configuration with warhead and manoeuvring targets were neutralized to establish the end game capability of the missile.

The trial campaign also included a direct hit of the target by the telemetered missile at maximum range. All the subsystems performed accurately meeting all the mission parameters and objectives," the statement read.

The Astra missile has a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and is equipped with up-to-date guidance and navigation devices to increase the accuracy. The weapon is being produced by the Bharat Dynamics Limited company since 2017. The first test was carried out in 2003.