Astra Mark 2 Missile:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently announced its intention to extend the range of its Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile to more than 200 kilometres.
- Astra Mark 2 Missile is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
- It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, have contributed towards successful realisation of the weapon system.
- The Astra Mark-1 air-to-air missile with a strike range of around 90-100 kms is already in the Indian Air Force and is already integrated with the LCA Tejas and the Su-30 MKI fighter jets.
- The Astra Mark 2 would give the Indian Air Force an edge over the adversaries in air-to-air combat and can also be offered as an export product to friendly foreign countries.
- While Astra Mark-1 is a single pulse, smokeless solid-fueled motor, the Astra Mark-2 is going to be a dual pulse missile, giving it a higher range.
- Astra Mk-1 is 3.6 m (12 ft) long with a diameter of 178 mm (7.0 in) and weighs 154 kg with a maximum range of 110 km. Astra Mark 2 will be a bigger missile with a diameter of 190 mm and weigh close to 175 kg.
- It can go up to a distance of 150 to 180 km and can travel at around Mach 4.5.
- It is equipped with a indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I.
