Astra Mk-2 to boost IAF's air power with 200+ km range | Fusion - WeRIndia

India is rapidly enhancing its air combat capabilities with indigenous weapons.

One major step is the planned upgrade of the Astra Mk-2 missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Astra Mk-2, an advanced air-to-air missile, will soon have a range of over 200 km.

This is a significant increase from its earlier 160 km limit. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to order around 700 upgraded missiles. These will be deployed on Su-30MKI and Tejas fighter jets.

This upgrade follows the success of Astra Mk-1 during Operation Sindoor. IAF pilots used the missile in real BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat.

The Astra Mk-2 aims to counter China’s PL-15 missile, which has a similar range.

Unlike the PL-15E (145 km), which was exported to Pakistan, the Mk-2 gives India a clear edge.

Pakistan’s F-16s use AMRAAMs, with a lower range, 105-120 km for AIM-120C and 160-180 km for AIM-120D.

A key feature of the Astra Mk-2 is its dual-pulse solid rocket motor. This provides two stages of thrust, one at launch and another during the final approach. It helps the missile stay fast and accurate across long distances.

The missile also includes advanced Indian-made parts. These include a modern seeker and a fibre-optic gyroscope.

Both improve resistance to enemy electronic countermeasures (ECM), keeping the missile on target.

Although DRDO has not revealed full upgrade plans, experts say extending the range is feasible.

The boost could come from better propellants or a slightly bigger design. However, a larger size may not suit lighter jets like the Tejas.

The Astra programme supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in defence. The Mk-1 version, with 100+ km range, is already in service and combat-tested.

With Mk-2’s longer reach and standoff power, Indian pilots can strike safely from beyond enemy missile range.

This upgrade will reduce dependency on costly imports and strengthen India’s defence.

The Astra Mk-2 may cost less than foreign missiles, potentially saving India crores of rupees in the long run.

Image Credit: Imahesh3847, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DRDO_Bhavan_Delhi.jpg