Source : Indian Defence News

Astra Mk-1 BVRAAM (Top) and Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) below

Before beginning the first batch of improved Tejas Mk1A deliveries in 2024, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited intends to complete developmental testing of the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) for Within Visual range air to air missile (WVRAAM) category and Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual range air to air missile (BVRAAM) for BVR category.

Both missiles have successfully completed their carriage and captive trials, and soon both missiles will undergo developmental cum user tests to provide Tejas Mk1A’s air to air configuration more fighting punch. Tejas Mk1A has already been given permission to use the Israeli I-Derby Extended Range beyond visual range air to air missile (BVRAAM) and Python-5 within visual range and air-to-air missiles (WVRAAM) missiles.

The inclusion of the Astra Mk1 and Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) will strengthen its missile arsenal and make it more challenging for adversaries to engage it in dogfights. Additionally, DRDO is in the process of developing the 340km range Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) powered Astra Mk-3 and 160km range Dual Pulse Rocket Motor powered Astra Mk2 BVRAAM missiles, which will be introduced to Tejas Mk-1A fleet once they will be ready for production.