Source : IgMp Bureau
According to sources familiar with the Astra Mark 3 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) program, India is set to elevate its air defense capabilities with the upcoming inflight trials of the Astra Mk3 BVRAAM. These trials, anticipated to commence later this year or in early 2025, signify a significant leap in India’s air defense prowess.
The announcement follows the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) year-end review in 2023, which lauded the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) remarkable advancements in air-to-air missile technology. While specifics remain confidential, the review highlighted the successful testing of an advanced air-to-air missile featuring a revolutionary “Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)” propulsion system. The successful 2022 flight test of the SFDR booster laid the groundwork for further breakthroughs.
The Astra Mk3 program focuses on developing a new long-range air-to-air missile boasting an impressive range of 350 kilometers. This extended range positions it as a formidable competitor to the European Meteor missile, renowned for its beyond-visual-range capabilities. Moreover, the extended reach equips India to rival the evolving Chinese Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles, which purportedly achieved a similar range with the introduction of the PL-15 BVRAAM. The Astra Mk3 is envisioned as a game-changer, capable of neutralizing airborne threats such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and aerial tankers, thereby significantly bolstering India’s air defense capabilities.
These forthcoming inflight trials represent a pivotal milestone in the Astra Mk3’s development. The success of these trials will propel India closer to deploying a next-generation air-to-air missile, solidifying its standing as a key player in aerospace technology.
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