Article Posted on : - May 08, 2009

A File photo of Astra test launch.

NEW DELHI (BNS): India successfully tested Astra, an Air-to-Air Missile from Balasore, Orissa, on Friday as part of its development tests.

Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) scientists has developed this advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) to arm the Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000H, MiG-29, Sea Harrier, Su-30MKI, MiG-21 Bison as well as the indigenously developed Tejas light combat aircraft.

Astra has a range of 80 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase, it has a pre-fragmented warhead and is fitted with a proximity fuze. It is equipped with sophisticated electronics to avoid enemy radars.

The missile’s dual mode guidance was fully proved when it was fired from the ground at an imaginary target, said a media report quoting DRDO sources.

The missile is capable of intercepting aircrafts at supersonic speed.