Astra Missile, India.
India Achieves Major Defense Milestone: Indigenous Astra Missile with RF Seeker Successfully Flight-Tested: BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA – July 11, 2025 – In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) today announced the successful flight-test of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’. The advanced missile, equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, was launched from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
The rigorous testing involved two separate launches against high-speed unmanned aerial targets. These tests were conducted under varying conditions, including different ranges, target aspects, and launch platform parameters. In both instances, the Astra missile demonstrated exceptional precision, destroying the targets with pinpoint accuracy, marking a critical validation of its operational effectiveness.
Officials confirmed that all subsystems of the Astra weapon system performed flawlessly during the trials. Notably, the indigenously designed and developed RF seeker, a crucial component for the missile’s guidance, met all performance expectations. The successful execution of these tests was meticulously validated through comprehensive flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These results unequivocally re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of the Astra weapon system, further cementing the capabilities of India’s defense technology.
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Astra missile fired from Sukhoi 30 MKI.
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The Astra BVRAAM boasts an impressive range exceeding 100 kilometers and is outfitted with a state-of-the-art guidance and navigation system. This advanced weapon system is a testament to the collaborative efforts of India’s defense ecosystem. Beyond various DRDO laboratories, more than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have played a vital role in the successful realization and development of this sophisticated missile.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his commendations to DRDO, the IAF, and all the industries involved in the design and development of the RF seeker. He hailed the successful testing of the missile with its indigenous seeker as a “major milestone in critical defence technology,” underscoring its importance for national security and self-reliance in defense.
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Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, also offered his congratulations to all the dedicated teams involved in the successful flight-test, recognizing their hard work and commitment to this pivotal achievement.
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