India is building a big production network for Astra Mk2, DRDO’s big decision

India is now going to increase the production of its most modern indigenous air-to-air missile weapon on a large scale. For this, Defense Research and Development Organization i.e. DRDO will also involve private defense companies in the construction process. Till now, Astra missile has been mainly manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited i.e. BDL, but in view of the increasing security needs and future war situations, the government wants to increase its production capacity manifold.

According to sources, DRDO is preparing a big industrial network for Astra missile, which will include private defense companies and MSME sector along with government companies. Its purpose is to rapidly manufacture a large number of missiles when needed.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the conflicts in West Asia have shown the world that in modern warfare, not only fighter aircraft but also the continuous production of modern missiles in large numbers is very important. Keeping this experience in mind, India is now preparing war-scale production of Astra missile.

Features of Astra Missile:

1. Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile i.e. BVRAAM.
2. This missile can target enemy fighter planes from a very long distance.
3. The range of Astra Mk1 is believed to be around 110 kilometers, while the range of the new Astra Mk2 will reach around 160 kilometers.
4. This missile can fly at a speed of about Mach 4.5 i.e. four and a half times the speed of sound.
5. It is equipped with state-of-the-art seeker technology, which is capable of tracking enemy aircraft from long distances and carrying out precise attacks.
6. Astra Mk2 has a dual-pulse rocket motor, which increases both its firepower and lethality.
7. Apart from this, it can lock the target even amidst heavy electronic jamming.

At present, Astra missile has been included in the Su-30MKI fighter planes of the Indian Air Force. It is also being integrated on the indigenous Tejas fighter jet.

After the start of its large-scale production, India will not only be able to meet its needs rapidly, but will also be able to take a big step towards exporting the Astra missile to foreign countries. This step of DRDO will not only strengthen India’s self-reliant defense policy but will also give new strength to the air combat capability of the Indian Air Force.