The Indian Air Force (IAF) has granted clearance to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles. These missiles will be used for the IAF’s Su-30 and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.
Key Figures and Visit
The approval was given during a recent visit to Hyderabad by Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
Programme Overview
The Defence Acquisition Council had previously cleared the programme for both the IAF and the Indian Navy, with an expectation of producing 248 missiles in the 2022-23 period.
Astra Program
The Astra program is designed to enhance the aerial combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The Astra Mark 1 missile, already inducted into the IAF and Navy, precedes the Mark 2 variant.
Development of Astra Mark 2
- Work in Progress: Senior defence officials informed that work is ongoing for the Astra Mark 2 missiles, with the first test scheduled in the coming months.
- Extended Range: The DRDO is developing a special motor to extend the missile’s range, aiming to surpass the current 100-kilometre range of the Astra Mark 1 missile.
Historical Context
The development of an indigenous air-to-air missile system started in 2001, with the DRDO initiating discussions with various stakeholders to create a missile system capable of engaging targets beyond visual range.
Project Leadership
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad was designated as the lead lab for this project. A dedicated task force was established to conduct preliminary studies and advance the project.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who has given clearance for the production of 200 Astra air-to-air missiles?
- A. Indian Navy
- B. Indian Army
- C. Indian Air Force
- D. Ministry of Defence
- Answer: C. Indian Air Force
- During whose visit was the clearance for Astra missile production given?
- A. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- B. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
- C. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- D. Naval Chief Admiral Karambir Singh
- Answer: B. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
- Which organisations are involved in the production of Astra missiles?
- A. DRDO and HAL
- B. BDL and HAL
- C. DRDO and BDL
- D. DRDO and ISRO
- Answer: C. DRDO and BDL
- How many Astra missiles were planned for production for both the IAF and Indian Navy in 2022-23?
- A. 100
- B. 200
- C. 248
- D. 300
- Answer: C. 248
- What is the strike range of the upcoming Astra Mark 2 missile?
- A. 100 km
- B. 130 km
- C. 150 km
- D. 200 km
- Answer: B. 130 km