Missile ASTRA

Preliminary development of the Astra system commenced in 1990 with a pre-feasibility study. The project received official sanction in 2004. Initial prototypes underwent redesigns in 2006 and 2013 to address control surface interactions and performance deficiencies identified during high-altitude testing.

The Astra is an all-weather beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile family. Guidance is provided by a mid-course inertial navigation system using a fiber-optic gyroscope, supplemented by mid-course updates via a secure datalink. Terminal engagement is conducted through active radar homing. While early models utilized seekers based on the R-77, later variants incorporate indigenous radio-frequency seekers or active electronically scanned array technology. The system includes electronic counter-countermeasures for operation in contested environments. Propulsion varies by variant: the Mk-1 utilizes a smokeless solid-propellant rocket motor, the Mk-2 employs a dual-pulse motor for trajectory shaping, and the Mk-3 utilizes a solid fuel ducted ramjet for sustained supersonic speeds. The missile carries a high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead triggered by radio, optical, or laser proximity fuzes. The airframe supports both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch modes. A naval surface-to-air derivative, the VL-SRSAM, utilizes thrust vector control to enable vertical launch for point and area defense against aerial threats and sea-skimming missiles.

The Astra entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2019 and is also operated by the Indian Navy. It is widely deployed across the Su-30MKI fleet and integrated with the Tejas and MiG-29 platforms. Integration is planned for future carrier-based and indigenous aircraft. The missile was used during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. During this period, Indian forces recovered an intact PL-15E missile, which was subsequently analyzed to inform further development of the Astra series. The system is in full-rate production. International interest in the system has been recorded from Brazil and Armenia, with the latter inquiring about acquisition for its fighter fleet.