Astra (missile)

Development

Preliminary work on Astra Mk-1 had begun by 1990 with the completion of a pre-feasibility study. It was revealed to the public for the first time at Aero India 1998. It was described as an elongated Matra Super 530D with a smaller diameter in front of the wings. The project to develop the missile was officially sanctioned in 2004 with a budget of ₹955 crore (equivalent to ₹37 billion or US$380 million in 2026). The project was to be led by Defence Research and Development Laboratory with assistance from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Electronics Corporation of India Limited. 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 with HAL Tejas. It was tested for the first time in May 2003.

The missile was redesigned around 2006 due to control issues and performance deficiencies at high altitude. The initial design of four cruciform short-span long-chord wings were replaced by cropped delta wings placed near the nose. The redesigned missile had an improved propulsion system and was tested for the first time in 2008. By 2013, the missile had been redesigned again in response to multiple failures caused by adverse interactions between flight control surfaces. The control, guidance, and propulsion systems were also reconfigured. 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 a Sukhoi Su-30MKI were held in April 2013. The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.

Though initially conceived to be integrated with HAL Tejas, the platform catalogue were later expanded to include SEPECAT Jaguar and Mikoyan MiG-29 of the Indian Air Force and was further made compatible with Su-30MKI and Dassault Mirage 2000 as well.

Variants

• 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). It retains most of the features of Mk-1 variant with multiple upgrades including new indigenous dual-pulse rocket motor, laser proximity fuze and AESA radar seeker. Development of the type was first reported in 2015.
• Gandiva: The variant, designated as Astra Mk-3, is named after Gandiva of Arjuna from the Mahabharata. The missile, based on the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet, exhibits a maximum range of 340 km (210 mi). The missile enables combat aircraft to engage strategic targets including AEW&C, transport aircraft, in-flight refuellers, strategic bombers as well as enemy fighter aircraft at long distances.
• Astra IR: A planned shorter ranged variant with an imaging Infra-red homing seeker with a range of 80 km (50 mi).
• VL-SRSAM: It is the surface-to-air missile derivative of the Astra family based on Indian Navy's requirements to replace older Barak 1 short range SAM system. VL-SRSAM will equip Indian Navy ships like Kamorta-class corvette as a short range air defense system and guided by its Revathi radar.

Trials

Astra Mark 1

The Astra Mark 1 missile underwent flight trials from ground-based launchers between May 2003 and December 2012. Parallelly, captive flight trials and weapons integration trials from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI were also completed in 2009–10 and 2013–14, respectively. Further in-flight firing trials were conducted from the aircraft May 2014 onwards. As of 2026, over 50 trials have been undertaken from both Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas.

Trials of the missile with HAL Tejas commenced in August 2023.

• The Astra BVRAAM missile was fired for its maiden flight trial on 9 May 2003 at from a ground based fixed launcher with the help of a booster engine at Launch Complex 2 (LC-II) of the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha at 12:15 am IST. A total of three such trials were conducted during 9–12 May as was expected.
• On 25 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 to 80km. The development was expected to be completed in 2011–12.
• On 13 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 on 25 and 26 March 2008.
• In October 2009, the Indian Air Force undertook multiple captive flight trials of Astra BVRAAM with a Su-30MKI. The sorties were conducted from the Lohegaon 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 and 7g 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-wing hardpoints 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. A total of seven sorties were conducted through November.
  • 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 the cockpit can "communicate" with the missile stored on the hardpoint.
  • Further, guided flights from ground and firing trials from Su-30MKI were also planned in early 2010 and July–August 2010, respectively.
• On 11 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.
• On 20 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. The missile, with a range of 80 km (50 mi), was again fired on 21 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.
• On 21 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 a DRDO 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 on 22 December with an actual seeker with the objective of intercepting Lakshya. The altitude of engagement was 4 km (13,000 ft). The 22 December test was also a success.
• Between 29 November 2013 and February 2014, around 40 sorties were conducted from Lohegaon 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. The missile also underwent rigorous testing on Su-30 in captive mode for avionics integration and seeker evaluation.
• On 4 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.
• On 18 March 2015, the missile was successfully test fired from a Su-30MKI where the missile validated its manoeuvring ability of up to 30g while engaging the target. On 19 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.
• Two developmental trials were conducted from Su-30MKI on 20 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. The missile's revised deadline of development was set in December 2016. Nine trials were already completed.
• On 18 March 2016, Su-30MKI was test fired in public during Exercise Iron Fist exercise.
• On 7 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. However, further trials on 11–13 December, proved to be successful.
• Between 11 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. 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 the end of developmental trials of the missile.
• Three consecutive test firings were conducted during the user trials on 16 September 2019. A missile also hit a target at a distance of 90 km (56 mi) in one of the trials.
• On 23 August 2023, Astra Mk-1 was successfully test fired from HAL Tejas LSP 7 aircraft off the coast of Goa from an altitude of 20,000 ft (6.1 km). The aircraft was monitored by a "Chase" Tejas twin-seater variant.
• On 12 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. However, Tejas Mk1A variant failed the Astra firing trial later that month. This compelled the DRDL to undertake certain software tweaks and, as of 16 September, HAL is awaiting an approval from CEMILAC's safety review board to continue with the trials. Another trial is now expected in September or October. The target was detected at 140 km (87 mi) and was engaged at a range of 110 km (68 mi) as per a DRDO official.
• On 11 July 2025, the DRDO and the IAF conducted trials of Astra missiles with an indigenous radio frequency seeker off the coast of Odisha. Two launches were undertaken from a Su-30MKI against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at varying ranges. Both the targets were reportedly destroyed.

Astra Mark 2

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 by DRDO with industry partners for air-to-air missiles.

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.

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.

The first test firing is expected in 2026 as of December 2025.

On 17 April, a report claimed that the 240 km-class missile cleared its preliminary trials and will proceed with integrated user trials. The missile will be integrated with Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk1A, respectively. The preliminary trials has validated the aerodynamics, propulsion and guidance of the weapon system.

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.

As per the Ministry of Defence's Year End Review, Astra Mk-3 with SFDR propulsion was flight tested in 2023 which enabled the missile to intercept aerial threats over a far greater distance at supersonic speed. The missile was configured with nozzle-less booster, thrust modulation system and a sustainer engine to deliver specific impulse in ramjet mode.

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 the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and HAL Tejas.

Production

Astra Mark 1

In September 2017, Astra Mk 1 finished its last development trials and received approval from Bharat Dynamics Limited to go into production. The first order of 50 missiles will be produced at the Bhanur plant in Sangareddy. The facility was launched on 27 August 2017. The missiles, intended for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, would be delivered and inducted by the year-end. In 2020, an additional order of 248 missiles was placed for the Indian Air Force (200) and Indian Navy (48). The missiles would be deployed on the Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, and MiG-29 of the Air Force and MiG-29K of the Navy.

A contract worth ₹2,971 crore (US$383 million) was signed by the Ministry of Defense and BDL 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. The technology transfer of the missile and related systems to BDL has already begun by DRDO. One missile will cost between ₹7 and ₹8 crore. 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. An aging test is being carried out to approve the production of the missile and launcher. Delivery began in FY2023–2024.

The first production batch of Astra Mk-1 for the Indian Air Force was flagged off from BDL's Kanchanbagh facility on January 14, 2024, by Ajay Bhatt, the Minister of State for Defence. During his visit to BDL's Hyderabad facility on August 4, 2024, then-Deputy COAS Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit certified the missile for full-rate production.

Astra Mark 2

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. The MoD is anticipated to discuss the acquisition. 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.

On 12 July 2026, Hindustan Times reported that, in an attempt to expand private sector participation in India's strategic missile sector, the defence ministry will issue a request for proposal (RFP) to invite bids from private sector companies to manufacture the Astra Mk 2 missile. The current manufacturer of the missile, Bharat Dynamics Limited, reportedly cannot cater to the growing demands from the Indian Armed Forces and export customers. A similar suite will also be followed for the Pralay missile.

Astra Mark 3

The missile is expected to be operationalised within three years as of October 2025.

Exports

Armenia

According to a report published in The Print on 14 September 2024, Armenia has inquired about the possibility of purchasing Astra Mk-1 for its Sukhoi Su-30s. Discussions are in early stages.

Brazil

It was reported in August 2023 that Brazil was exploring possibility of equipping its Gripen fighters with Astra Mk-1 missiles as a cost-effective option.

Indonesia

On 7 July 2026, it was announced that India will supply Indonesia with the Astra missile system. Indonesian defense company Republikorp also signed an agreement with Bharat Dynamics on air-to-air missiles.

Operators

India

• Indian Air Force
• Indian Navy

Future operators

Indonesia

• Indonesian Air Force

Potential operators

Armenia

• Armenian Air Force: The Astra missile is among the Indian weapons sought to be integrated with their upgraded Su-30 fleet, in addition to other systems such as guided air-to-surface missiles.