Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to induct the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile by the end of 2023.
- Astra is already integrated into the SU-30MKI and was successfully test-fired from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The IAF intends to equip its frontline fighters with the Astra-MK1, while the Astra-2 is expected to become a mainstay of the IAF’s BVR missile arsenal, reducing import dependency.
The Astra is a family of Indian air-to-air missiles. It’s the first indigenous air-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVRAAM) missile that uses radar guidance to navigate and position the target
