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Key Points

The Indian Air Force is making a massive push for indigenous defense capabilities with plans to acquire 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles. DRDO has significantly upgraded the missile's range from the originally planned 160 km to over 200 kilometers. These advanced air-to-air missiles will be fitted on both Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fleets. This development comes as India continues to strengthen its Beyond Visual Range combat capabilities in the region.

Key Points: IAF to Buy 700 Astra Mark 2 Missiles with 200 km Range

  • Astra Mark 2 range extended from 160 km to over 200 kilometers for enhanced combat capability
  • IAF to equip Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fleets with new missiles
  • Development aims to maintain India's edge in Beyond Visual Range air combat
  • Over 50 public and private industries contributed to indigenous missile program
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Astra Mark 2 missile range to be over 200 km, IAF to buy around 700 for fighter jet fleet

DRDO extends Astra Mark 2 missile range beyond 200 km as IAF prepares to acquire 700 units for Sukhoi and LCA fighter jet fleets in major indigenous boost.

"The Indian Air Force is also set to acquire around 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles - Defence Officials"

By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, October 14

In a significant indigenous boost for the Indian Air Force pilots, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is going to extend the range of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air beyond visual range missiles to over 200 kilometres.

According to a detailed proposal to be discussed by the Defence Ministry in the near future, the Indian Air Force is also set to acquire around 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles, which will be fitted on the Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fighter jet fleets of the force, defence officials told ANI.

As per earlier plans, the Indian premier defence research agency was looking at a range of around 160 plus Kms for the Astra Mark 2, but is now going to work on developing a variant with a range of much above 200 Kms, they said.

India has been working on developing indigenous long-range air-to-air missiles to maintain its edge in Beyond Visual Range combat in the region. During Operation Sindoor, India and Pakistan had a limited air-to-air engagement as India hit Pakistani air bases and terror camps from a long stand-off range.

The Pakistan Air Force also lost a large number of its planes in both air and on the ground, including the F-16s that they got from the US and the Chinese fighter jets.

The Pakistan Air Force also lost a significant number of its large unmanned aerial vehicles in ground attacks in the southern part of Pakistan, along with spy planes.

The Pakistan Air Force also tried to launch counterattacks on Indian forces using the PL-15 air-to-air missiles after getting hit in a big way, but they failed to create any impact.

The previous version of the missile Astra Mark 1 has a range exceeding 100 kms and is equipped with an advanced guidance and navigation system. In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, have contributed towards the successful realisation of the weapon system.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see indigenous defense manufacturing growing. But I hope the quality matches international standards and there are no delays in delivery. Our armed forces need reliable equipment.
R
Rohit P
Operation Sindoor reference shows why we need such advanced missiles. With neighbors having advanced systems, we can't afford to lag behind. Jai Hind! 🚀
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Sarah B
Impressive development! The involvement of 50+ public and private industries shows how defense manufacturing can boost our economy while strengthening national security.
V
Vikram M
700 missiles is a huge order! This will give our Sukhoi and Tejas fleets serious firepower. Hope the testing is thorough before induction. Safety of our pilots is paramount.
M
Michael C
While this is positive news, I hope the cost-effectiveness is maintained. Defense budgets are huge, and we need to ensure every rupee is well-spent for national security.

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