Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms from the current stated range of 160kms
As per defence sources, 10 units of the Astra Mark 2 Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) missiles are currently under fabrication that will be utilized for user trials in the coming months.
The DRDO is also making efforts to optimize the performance of the missile further through software and hardware upgrades and is conducting studies to explore flight profile modifications and fine-tuning various aspects of the missile that will extend its range beyond the existing 160 kilometers to around 200 kilometers.
Astra Mk-2 is slated to enter service within the next 2 years after completing all the user trials and evaluations. Astra Mk-2 will greatly enhance Indian Air Force’s BVR capability as it will complement French Meteor BVRAAM which also has a similar kind of range that will be a direct competitor of Chinese PL-15 Long Range BVRAAM which is said to have a range of around 200 kilometers for fighter size targets.
It is important to note here that Pakistan has received PL-15 BVRAAM with its 25 Chengdu J-10C fighters that were bought to counter Indian acquisition of French Dassault Rafale, although the range of export version of PL-15 is speculated to be much lower, but with the induction of Astra Mk-2, Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, Mig-29 UPG fighters will be on par or have an edge in terms of BVR engagement. DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms DRDO working on ways to increase Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM range upto 200kms IgMp
