ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the staff requirements issued by the Indian Air Force.

Key details

• The Defence Ministry signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy at a cost of â‚¹ 2,971 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

• According to an official statement issued by the ministry, the technology to manufacture missiles of this class indigenously was not available till now.

• ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the staff requirements issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement (CCE) reducing the dependency on foreign sources.

• ASTRA MK-I missile and all associated systems for its launch, and ground handling and testing have been developed by DRDO in coordination with the IAF.

• The missile is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft and will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The Indian Navy will integrate the missile on the MiG 29K fighter aircraft.

• The Transfer of Technology from DRDO to BDL for production of ASTRA MK-I missile and all associated systems has been completed and production at BDL is in progress.