India’s indigenous BVR missile became the first choice of 6 countries, leaving behind China’s PL-15.

The indigenous ‘Astra’ Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile included in the Indian Air Force fleet has now become the first choice of many countries of the world. After proving its lethality in the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’, 6 countries of the world have shown interest in purchasing the Astra missile. According to sources, India has recently signed an agreement with Indonesia regarding this missile. Apart from this, a total of 6 countries including Armenia and Saudi Arabia are in talks with India to include this missile in their air force.

• Armenia: Armenia has already purchased weapons like Akash missile, Pinaka rocket system and Swati radar from India. Now it is in the final stages of talks to integrate the Astra missile in its Su-30SM fighter planes.

• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is discussing with India the possibility of adding Astra missiles to its Royal Air Force’s F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Why is Astra missile so special?

Astra missile is better than China’s PL-15 missile in many respects. Its biggest strength is.
1. Affordable: It is up to 70 percent cheaper than similar missiles available globally.
2.Firepower: This missile strikes at a speed of Mach 4.5 and its striking distance is 80 to 110 kilometers.
3.Advanced Technology: Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has also successfully tested its MK-2 version, which is capable of hitting ranges up to 240 kilometers. In future, work is going on on MK-3 version, whose range will be more than 300 kilometers.

Entry of private sector to increase production
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In view of the increasing international demand for Astra missile, the Government of India has now decided to involve the private sector in its production. Till now it was being produced only by ‘Bharat Dynamics Limited’ (BDL), but now by increasing the production capacity, India is preparing to meet its domestic needs as well as foreign orders on time.

This success of India is being considered a major achievement of ‘Make in India’ in the defense sector, which is rapidly increasing India’s credibility in the global arms market.