Astra
On January 21, 2012, the indigenously developed Astra, the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air interceptor missile was successfully test-fired in a development trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. Described as a futuristic missile, the single-stage, solid-fuelled Astra missile is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets. It has the capability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds in the head-on mode at a range of 80km and in tail-chase mode at 20km.
The 3.8-metre long missile, with a diameter of 178mm and an overall launch weight of 160kg, can carry a warhead containing conventional explosives weighing 15kg.
It is intended to be integrated with Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
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