A series of successful flight trials of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR-AAM) Astra, conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), have concluded and the missile is ready to be inducted into the IAF inventory.
The induction is expected next year, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
The tests were conducted between September 26 and October 3 at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore as part of the final development trials of the missile.
The trials were a combination of complex tests for engagement of pilotless targets in different modes of maneuvering, off-boresight, medium and long ranges.
The missiles were telemetered for evaluation of online performance of all sub-systems especially the datalink, active radio frequency (RF) seeker and proximity fuse for end-game performance.
"Astra has been tested six times under different launch conditions and ranges as part of the final development trial. The missile has engaged targets and all the mission objectives have been met," the Defence Ministry release said.
With IAF's active participation, DRDO has developed the missile and integrated the weapon on Su-30 and other air platforms. More than 50 private and public sector industries are involved in the development and production of different sub-systems of the missile.
Google I/O 2024: DeepMind Showcases Real-Time Computer Vision-Based AI Interaction With Project Astra No Side Effects From Our Vaccine: Covaxin Maker Amid AstraZeneca Row Netflix August 2022 Releases: Darlings, Morbius, The Walking Dead Season 11, and More Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms "Assassination Attempt Has Sealed The Election": Trump's Close Aide Biden Says Could Drop Election Bid If "Medical Condition" Emerged Russia Says It's Ready To Work With Any US Leader 3 People Die After Drowning In Lake In Telangana: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.