CHENNAI: Astra, the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), was successfully test fired by Indian Air Force (IAF) from Su-30 aircraft, on Wednesday from Air Force Station, Kalaikunda in West Bengal. The missile successfully engaged a manoeuvring target with high precision meeting the mission objectives.
In a series of trials held to date, Astra has been launched in the complete Su-30 flight envelope. The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials. Astra is the best in class weapon system and has undergone more than 20 developmental trials, a defence release said.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the efforts of IAF, DRDO and associated team members involved in the mission and said India had attained a high level of capability in the indigenous design and development of advanced weapon systems.
‘Best in class’
The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials. Astra is the best in class weapon system and has undergone more than 20 developmental trials, a defence release said.