India-Indonesia sign Astra Mk 1 BVRAAM supply deal

India and Indonesia signed an agreement on 7 July for the supply of Astra Mk 1 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs). The agreement marks India’s first-ever export of the indigenous Astra missile system to another country. 

• Under the agreement, the Astra Mk 1 missiles will be integrated with Indonesia’s Su-30 fighter aircraft, significantly enhancing the fleet’s beyond-visual-range air combat capability.
• The missile deal was concluded alongside several major bilateral agreements, including; supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, defence technology transfers, co-operation in critical mineral extraction and enhanced maritime security collaboration.

About Astra Missile

• The Astra is a family of indigenously developed Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.
• Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missiles are air-to-air missiles capable of engaging aerial targets beyond 20 nautical miles (about 37 km), allowing fighter aircraft to strike enemy aircraft before they are visible to the pilot.

Astra Mk 1:

• Range: 80–110 km; Maximum Altitude: Up to 20 km; Speed: Mach 4.5
• Guidance System: Inertial Navigation System (INS), Mid-course guidance updates & Terminal active radar homing seeker.
• Designed to engage highly manoeuvrable aerial targets under all-weather conditions.
• In 2025, DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully conducted the flight test of the Astra Mk 1 equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, demonstrating increased indigenous capability.

Astra Mk 2: Enhanced Capability

• The Astra Mk 2 is a more advanced variant currently under development with extended range: Around 200 km (earlier planned around 160 km).
• Dual-pulse smokeless solid rocket motor, enabling better energy management during flight, re-ignition during the terminal phase for higher end-game manoeuvrability and improved kill probability against agile targets.

Astra Mk 3 (Gandiva) Under Development

• The Astra Mk 3, officially named Gandiva, is India’s next-generation BVRAAM currently being developed by DRDO.
• Powered by a Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) engine.
• Maintains continuous thrust throughout flight, unlike conventional rocket motors.
• Expected to provide significantly longer range and superior interception capability against advanced aerial threats.

Source: IE

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