Astra Mk-1 is 3.6 m (12 ft) long with a diameter of 178 mm (7.0 in) and weighs 154 kg (340 lb). It uses mid-courseinertial guidance driven byfibre-optic gyroscope withterminal guidance throughactive radar homing.[18] It is capable of receiving course corrections through a secure data link. The missile's active radar seeker, with a homing range of 25 km (16 mi), was originally designed by Russia'sConcern Morinformsystem-Agat for theR-77 missile[19] but manufactured within India.[11] The seeker can lock-on to a target with a radar cross section of 5 square metres from a distance of 15 km and enables off-boresight launches up to an angle of 45°.[20] Some tests in 2017 and 2018 validated an indigenous seeker replacing the earlier seeker. It is an improved activeKu,X band monopulseradio-frequency seeker developed byResearch Center Imarat.[21][22][23][24]
Astra Mk-1 is equipped withelectronic counter-countermeasures to allow operation even during enemy attempts to jam the seeker usingelectronic countermeasures. It carries a 15 kg (33 lb)high explosive pre-fragmented warhead activated by a DRDO-developedlaser proximity fuse.[11][25][26] It uses a smokeless solid fuelled motor that can propel the missile to a speed of Mach 4.5 and allows operation from a maximum altitude of 20 km (66,000 ft).[12][11] Its maximum range is 20 km (12 mi) in tail chase mode and 110 km (68 mi) in head-on chase mode.[26][27] The maximum range is achieved when the missile launched from an altitude of over 15 km (49,000 ft). However, the maximum range of the missile when fired from an altitude of 8 km (26,000 ft) drops to 44 km (27 mi) and when launched from sea level, the range drops further to 21 km (13 mi).[26][28][29] The seeker of the missile has a search range of 25 km (16 mi).[26] The airframe can also handle up to40g of lateral acceleration (latax).[30] It can be launched in both autonomous and buddy mode operation and can lock on to its target before orafter it is launched.[31]
Astra Mark-2
The Astra Mk-2 has a maximum range of 130–160 km (81–99 mi) depending on the firing altitude.[32][33] Upgrades includes an in-house developeddual-pulse rocket motor,laser proximity fuze and an indigenousAESA radar seeker among others.[34][24][35] As per reports in 2015, the expected maximum range of the missile was 150 km (93 mi) while featuring shorter fins.[26]
According to a October 2025 report, the missile is now planned to have a maximum range of over 200 km.[3] The propulsion system is modified for enhanced thrust is and trajectory shaping optimized to provide longer endurance.[36]
The missile will also reportedly incorporate technology from the Chinese-originPL-15E missile that was recovered by the Indian forces inHoshiarpur district,Punjab during2025 India–Pakistan conflict and later studied by DRDO. The missile was recovered in a fully intact form due to a lack ofself destruct technology.[37]
The Gandiva missile, previously Astra Mark-3, incorporate an air-breathing propulsion system designated asSolid Fuel Ducted Ramjet setting it apart from the predecessors. By dimensions, the missile has a length of 3,838 mm (12.592 ft) and a diameter of 178–200 mm (7.0–7.9 in). This throttlable propulsion system significantly improves the range of the missile at 340 km (210 mi) at 20 km (66,000 ft) altitude and a range of 190 km (120 mi) at 8 km (26,000 ft) altitude. As per reports, the missile's launch speed ranges fromMach 0.8 to 2.2 while the target hit speed ranges from Mach 2.0 to 3.6. It can engage highly maneuverable fighter aircraft with highangle of attack of up to 20 degrees. With its "±10 km snap-up/snap-down capability" the missile allows the pilots to engage targets at both higher or lower altitudes with respect to the firing aircraft. The missile utilises a two-waydata link for mid-course guidance from the launch aircraft or friendlyAEW&C aircraft and also employselectronic counter-countermeasures.[38][39]
VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1air-to-air missile with fourshort-spanlong-chordcruciform wings that provideaerodynamic stability. It also includes additionaljet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.[40] VL-SRSAM conceived for area andpoint-defence role to save naval platforms. EachVertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each forhot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, includingfighter aircraft andsea skimminganti-ship missiles.[41] With its 360° interception capability, as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS), it can identify and neutralize threats coming from all directions. Even though a short-range air defense missile was the original goal, the VL-SRSAM is a medium-range air defense system. Its attack range of 40 km has been increased to 80 km. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.[42][43][44]
Development
Astra Mk-1 fired from Su-30MKI
Preliminary work on Astra Mk-1 had begun by 1990 with the completion of a pre-feasibility study.[45] It was revealed to the public for the first time atAero India 1998.[46] It was described as an elongatedMatra Super 530D with a smaller diameter in front of the wings.[47] The project to develop the missile was officially sanctioned in 2004 with a budget of₹955crore (equivalent to₹34 billion or US$400 million in 2023).[48] The project was to be led byDefence Research and Development Laboratory with assistance fromHindustan Aeronautics Limited andElectronics Corporation of India Limited.[49] The initial version of Astra Mk-1 reportedly weighed 300 kg (660 lb) with a range of 25–40 km (16–25 mi) and was planned to be integrated withHAL Tejas. It was tested for the first time in May 2003.[50][51]
The missile was redesigned around 2006 due to control issues and performance deficiencies at high altitude. The initial design of four cruciformshort-spanlong-chord wings were replaced bycropped delta wings placed near the nose. The redesigned missile had an improved propulsion system and was tested for the first time in 2008.[52] By 2013, the missile had been redesigned again in response to multiple failures caused by adverse interactions between flight control surfaces.[53] The control, guidance, and propulsion systems were also reconfigured.[54] After the second redesign, the missile was lighter than the initial version by around 130 kg (290 lb). It was tested from the ground thrice in December 2012 and captive trials from aSukhoi Su-30MKI were held in April 2013.[55][53] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at theNational Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.[56]
Astra Mk-1: Basic variant with a range of 110 km (68 mi).
Astra Mk-2: Extended range variant with a maximum range in excess of 160–200 km (99–124 mi).[34][3] It retains most of the features of Mk-1 variant with multiple upgrades including new indigenousdual-pulse rocket motor,laser proximity fuze andAESA radar seeker.[34] Development of the type was first reported in 2015.[26][59]
The Astra Mark 1 missile underwent flight trials from ground-based launchers between May 2003[50] and December 2012.[25] Parallely, captive flight trials and weapons integration trials from theSukhoi Su-30MKI were also completed in 2009–10[30][64] and 2013–14,[25][65] respectively. Further in-flight firing trials were conducted from the aircraft May 2014 onwards.[65]
Trials of the missile withHAL Tejas commenced in August 2023.[66]
The Astra BVRAAM missile was fired for its maiden flight trial on9 May 2003 at from a ground based fixed launcher with the help of a booster engine at Launch Complex 2 (LC-II) of theIntegrated Test Range,Chandipur, Odisha at 12:15 amIST.[50][67] A total of three such trials were conducted during9–12 May[58][57] as was expected.[50]
On25 March 2007, the missile was again test-fired from LC-II of the ITR at Chandipur after a gap of four years but with an upgraded range from 40km[50] to 80km. The development was expected to be completed in 2011–12.[57]
On13 September 2008, Astra BVRAAM was launched from Launch Complex 2 (LC-II) of the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at 1205 hours IST. Another test could be conducted following analysing data captured from the current test. Validation trials of the missile's navigation, control, air frame, propulsion and other sub-system were completed. Earlier experimental trials were also conducted on25 and 26 March 2008.[58]
InOctober 2009, the Indian Air Force undertook multiple captive flight trials of Astra BVRAAM with a Su-30MKI. The sorties were conducted from theLohegaon Air Force Station,Pune. Until 29 October, four sorties were completed with the fifth one, which lasted for 90 minutes, was conducted on 31 October. The sorties included various flight parameters including supersonic speeds and7g manoeuvres to confirm the missile is compatible with the entire flight envelope of Su-30MKI. The inert missiles were being integrated on one of the six under-winghardpoints of the aircraft, though the avionics of the missile and aircraft were not electronically connected. The missile was still integrated with a Russian launcher and seeker head while the latter was yet to be consolidated with its on-board radar and other electronics.[30] A total of seven sorties were conducted through November.[64]
While the first phase of captive trials, including aero mechanical integrity tests, were realised after four years of planning and certification, the second phase, consisting of avionics integrity tests, would be conducted in early 2010. During this phase, the electronics components of the missile and the avionics of the aircraft would be connected so that the pilot in thecockpit can "communicate" with the missile stored on the hardpoint.[30]
Further, guided flights from ground and firing trials from Su-30MKI were also planned in early 2010 and July–August 2010, respectively.[30]
On11 January 2010, two ballistic flight trials of Astra missiles were conducted from Integrated Test Range,Balasore. The missiles were launched at 0915 hours and 1200 hours, respectively. The missile's final trial was expected by the year-end following its integration with Su-30MKI.[68]
On20 May 2011, the missile was fired in a ground-to-air ballistic mode at 0950 hours IST. Two additional tests were also planned in two consecutive days. The data for the trial were being analysed. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the motor, propulsion system along with the vehicle and aero-dynamics configurations.[69][70] The missile, with a range of 80 km (50 mi), was again fired on21 May at 1032 hours from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Further rigorous and flawless ground- and air-launched tests were to be conducted before being integrated on various fighter jets of the Indian Air Force fleet.[64][71]
On21 December 2012, Astra BVRAAM was successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in a ground-to-air mode. The missile was fired against an electronic target with midcourse guidance while aDRDO Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) was also deployed. While this firing was only a rehearsal meant to validate the reconfigured propulsion, control and guidance systems, another test firing was scheduled on22 December with an actual seeker with the objective of intercepting Lakshya. The altitude of engagement was 4 km (13,000 ft).[28] The 22 December test was also a success.[25]
Between29November 2013 andFebruary 2014, around 40 sorties were conducted fromLohegaon Air Force Station,Pune for weapons integration trial to make the missile compatible with a modified Sukhoi Su-30MKI. The Software Development Institute (SDI) of the IAF was working on integrating aircraft avionics using Sukhoi test rig with the missile's onboard equipment. A team of scientists and officials were also present in Pune.[25] The missile also underwent rigorous testing on Su-30 in captive mode for avionics integration and seeker evaluation.[65]
On4 May 2014, Astra was fired for the first time in air-to-air mode from a Su-30MKI at a naval range in the Western Sector. The test-firing successfully achieved all mission objectives, with side and forward-looking high-speed cameras capturing the air release. The separation occurred precisely as predicted by the simulation. Further 20-30 trials would be necessary to evaluate the air-launch envelope across parameters like altitude, speed and the angle of attack.[65]
On18 March 2015, the missile was successfully test fired from a Su-30MKI where the missile validated its manoeuvring ability of up to30g while engaging the target. On19 March 2015, the missile was again successfully test fired from a Su-30MKI over the Integrated Test Range,Balasore with a payload of telemetry equipment in place of the warhead. The missile had been tasked to intercept a Lakshya PTA. These were the fourth and fifth test firing of the missile and were precisely coordinated with the Air Headquarters.[72]
Two developmental trials were conducted from Su-30MKI on20 May 2015. The missiles were fired over the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur while the aircraft was performing a high-g manoeuvre. These were the sixth and seventh test firing of the missile, which is expected to be inducted in 2016. Additional tests including pre-induction trials shall be undertaken. So far, the missile has failed in only one test.[26] The missile's revised deadline of development was set in December 2016. Nine trials were already completed.[48]
On18 March 2016, Su-30MKI was test fired in public during ExerciseIron Fist exercise.[73][74][75]
On7 December 2016, the user trial of Astra missile failed to deliver results. After being fired from the aircraft, the missile began to lose velocity within seconds, veered off trajectory and nose-dived in a steep manner before exploding on a sea beach. The explosion resulted in smoke and a huge noise which was heard from villages located 15km from the test site.[76] However, further trials on11–13 December, proved to be successful.[19][77]
Between11 and 14 September 2017, Astra Mk 1 was tested seven developmental trials. The missile hit its designated pilotless target aircraft each time. The tests included an indigenous seeker, which had been put to trials for the second time.[77] A wide variety of missions were simulated including targets located at long-range distances, high manoeuvring targets at medium ranges, salvo launches to engage multiple targets as well as firing two missiles with live warheads to neutralise targets. This marked theend of developmental trials of the missile.[78][79]
Three consecutive test firings were conducted during the user trials on16 September 2019. A missile also hit a target at a distance of 90 km (56 mi) in one of the trials.[80]
HAL Tejas LSP7 during a maiden firing of Astra Mk1 missileOn23 August 2023, Astra Mk-1 was successfully test fired fromHAL Tejas LSP 7 aircraft off the coast ofGoa from an altitude of 20,000 ft (6.1 km). The aircraft was monitored by a "Chase" Tejas twin-seater variant.[66][81]
On12 March 2025, Astra Mk-1 was successfully test fired from a Tejas Mk1 prototype over the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The missile scored a direct hit on a flying target at a range of over 100 km. This test was significant for the subsequent induction of Tejas Mk1A aircraft. Further trials are also expected for performance evaluation.[82][83] However, Tejas Mk1A variant failed the Astra firing trial later that month. This compelled theDRDL to undertake certain software tweaks and, as of 16 September, HAL is awaiting an approval fromCEMILAC's safety review board to continue with the trials. Another trial is now expected in September or October.[84]
On11 July 2025, theDRDO and theIAF conducted trials of Astra missiles with an indigenous radio frequency seeker off the coast of Odisha. Two launches were undertaken from aSu-30MKI against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at varying ranges. Both the targets were reportedly destroyed.[85][86][87]
Astra Mark 2
Astra Mk-2 dropped from Su-30MKI using Unified Common Launcher
During an annual press conference on October 4, 2022,IAF released footage of an Astra Mk-2 launched from a Su-30MKI using Unified Common Launcher developed byDRDO with industry partners for air-to-air missiles.[88]
Reports released in April 2024 suggested that the missile will be tested in first half of 2024 with an initial target range of around 130 km.[32][89][90]
Reports in September 2024 suggested that a series of developmental and user trials of the Astra Mk 2, with a range of 140–160 km, will be conducted in 2025 which will be completed by 2026 and followed by induction in the same year. Full-scale production is expected by 2027. There has been a few design modifications which led to delays.[33]
Astra Mark 3
The missile's under development propulsion system was first tested on 30 May 2018 and further test was carried out on 8 February 2019.[91][92]
As per the Ministry of Defence's Year End Review, Astra Mk-3 withSFDR propulsion was flight tested in 2023 which enabled the missile to intercept aerial threats over a far greater distance atsupersonic speed. The missile was configured with nozzle-less booster, thrust modulation system and asustainer engine to deliverspecific impulse inramjet mode.[93]
By March 2025, the missile completed two in-flight tests FT-01 and FT-02 validating separation mechanisms after the previous ground tests for booster and nozzleless boosters. The missile will now undergo firing trials from theSukhoi Su-30MKI andHAL Tejas.[38][39]
Production
Astra Mark 1
In September 2017, Astra Mk 1 finished its last development trials and received approval fromBharat Dynamics Limited to go into production. The first order of 50 missiles will be produced at the Bhanur plant inSangareddy. The facility was launched on 27 August 2017. The missiles, intended for theSukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, would be delivered and inducted by the year-end.[27][9] In 2020, an additional order of 248 missiles was placed for theIndian Air Force (200) andIndian Navy (48). The missiles would be deployed on the Su-30MKI,HAL Tejas, andMiG-29 of the Air Force andMiG-29K of the Navy.[14][94]
A contract worth ₹2,971 crore (US$383 million) was signed by theMinistry of Defense andBDL on May 31, 2022, to produce 350+ Astra Mk-1 units for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy under the high priority Indian Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category.[95] The technology transfer of the missile and related systems to BDL has already begun byDRDO. One missile will cost between ₹7 and ₹8 crore.[1] All long-range air-to-air missiles of Russian origin in the Indian fleet will eventually be replaced by the Astra Mk-1 and other variants of this missile.[96] An aging test is being carried out to approve the production of the missile and launcher. Delivery began in FY2023–2024.[97]
According to media report published on 15 October 2025, the Indian Air Force had indicated interest in acquiring approximately 700 Astra Mk 2 missiles for its fleet of HAL Tejas and Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft. TheMoD is anticipated to discuss the acquisition.[3] The missile's production is expected to begin from 2026 to 2027. As of October 2025, it can start within six months, given its trials are successful.[36]
Astra Mark 3
The missile is expected to be operationalised within three years as of October 2025.[36]
Exports
It was published in August 2023 thatBrazil was exploring possibility of equipping itsGripen fighters with Astra Mk-1 missiles as a cost-effective option.[101] According to a report published inThe Print on September 14, 2024,Armenia has inquired about the possibility of purchasing Astra Mk-1 for itsSukhoi Su-30s. Discussions are in early stages.[102]
^abcdMajumdar, Sayan (September–October 2015)."Astra – The Spear for Air Dominance"(PDF).Vayu Aerospace and Defence Review. No. 5. Society for Aerospace Studies. pp. 56–57.
^Richardson, Doug (1 February 2017). "Redesigned Astra completes three ground launches".IHS Jane's Missiles and Rockets.17 (2). Coulsdon:Jane's Information Group.
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