New Delhi: India has successfully conducted flight tests of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra,’ equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, from a Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha on July 11, 2025. Conducted by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), the tests mark a significant step in advancing India’s defence capabilities with homegrown technology.
During the tests, two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects, and launch platform conditions. In both cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pinpoint accuracy. All subsystems, including the RF seeker designed and developed by DRDO, performed as per expectations. Flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, validated the flawless performance of the Astra weapon system with the indigenous seeker.
The Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100 kilometres and is equipped with a state-of-the-art guidance and navigation system. More than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, contributed to the successful realisation of the weapon system, alongside various DRDO laboratories. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of the Astra missile with its indigenous seeker.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, and the industry involved in the design and development of the RF seeker, stating that the successful testing of the missile with an indigenous seeker is a major milestone in critical defence technology. The achievement strengthens India’s self-reliance in advanced missile systems.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Samir V Kamat, congratulated all teams involved in the successful flight test. The tests underscore the collaborative efforts of DRDO, IAF, and industry partners in advancing India’s defence technology capabilities.
– global bihari bureau
