Astra missile a step closer to induction

NEW DELHI: An indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile called Astra moved a step closer towards induction into the Indian Air Force after successfully completing development flight trials over the Bay of Bengal. The final development flight trials of the Astra were conducted off the Coast of Chandipur in Odisha from September 11to 14, according to a ministry of defence issued statement.

“A total of seven trials were conducted against Pilotless Target Aircraft successfully,” reads the statement. The missions included engagement of a target at very long range, a high manoeuvring target at medium range and multiple launches of missiles to engage multiple targets. “All the subsystems including the indigenous RF Seeker performed accurately, meeting the mission parameters and objectives."