Astra Air-to-Air Missile Family · Astra Mk-1 (BVR), Astra Mk-2 (extended range), Astra Mk-3 / SFDR (beyond BVR)
India's indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile family; Astra Mk-1 in service (~110 km range); Mk-2 in advanced development (~160 km); Mk-3 (SFDR) under development; fitted on Su-30MKI and Tejas.
Last verified:
At a Glance
- OEM
- DRDO RCI Hyderabad — design; BDL — production
- Variant
- Mk-1 (BVR, in service); Mk-2 (extended range, in development); Mk-3 / SFDR (beyond BVR, in development)
- Range Mk1
- ~110 km (BVR)
- Range Mk2
- ~160 km (estimated, extended range)
- Guidance
- Mid-course INS/data-link + terminal active radar homing
- Warhead
- High-explosive fragmentation (~15 kg)
- Speed
- Mach 4+
- Launch
- Air-launched from fighter aircraft
- Platforms
- Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk-1/1A; future: Tejas Mk-2, AMCA, MRFA
- In service
- Astra Mk-1 operational with IAF; Mk-2 in advanced development
- indicators
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- key specs
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What It Is
The Astra is India's indigenous beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile family, designed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) of DRDO in Hyderabad and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The Astra Mk-1, the initial production variant, has a range of approximately 110 km, uses mid-course INS/data-link guidance with terminal active radar homing, and carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. It is operational with the Indian Air Force on the Su-30MKI and has been integrated on the Tejas Mk-1/1A. The Astra Mk-2 is in advanced development with an extended range of approximately 160 km, featuring a dual-pulse rocket motor for improved kinematics. The Astra Mk-3 (also referred to as SFDR — Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet) is under development and aims to provide beyond-BVR range (potentially 300+ km) using ramjet propulsion. The Astra family represents a significant step in India's quest for air-to-air missile self-reliance, reducing dependence on Russian (R-77) and Israeli (Derby, Python-5) BVR missiles.
Deployments & Procurement
Astra Mk-1 is operational with the Indian Air Force on the Su-30MKI and Tejas. BDL is producing the missile. Astra Mk-2 is in advanced development with trials ongoing.
| Agency | Context | Year | Quantity / Note | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Air Force | Astra Mk-1 integration on Su-30MKI | 2022 | Operational on Su-30MKI; production orders placed with BDL | [1][2] |
| Indian Air Force | Astra Mk-1 integration on Tejas Mk-1/1A | 2023 | Integration completed; operational on Tejas | [1] |
| Indian Air Force | Astra Mk-2 trials | 2024 | Advanced trials ongoing; extended range variant | [1] |
Open Questions
- Exact production quantity for Astra Mk-1 not publicly disclosed
- Astra Mk-2 induction timeline not confirmed
- Astra Mk-3 (SFDR) development timeline not confirmed
- Whether Astra will be offered for export
Import Dependencies
Designed to be fully indigenous. Limited import dependencies on specialised components.
| Component | Severity | Note | Pillar | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active radar seeker | Medium | Indigenous active radar seeker developed by DRDO; some components may import initially | /research/pillars/defence/ | [1] |
| SFDR ramjet components (Mk-3) | Medium | Advanced propulsion technology; indigenous development with potential import of specialty materials | /research/pillars/defence/ |
Intelligence Assessment
Methodology: /research/methodology
Active radar seeker indigenous; some components may import initially
Sources: [1]
In service on Su-30MKI and Tejas; Mk-2/3 in development
Sources: [1]
Competitive BVR missile; potential export to nations seeking alternatives to Russian/Israeli AAMs
Knowledge Graph
Peer Systems
Related Pillars
Timeline
FAQ
What is the range of the Astra missile?
The Astra Mk-1 has a range of approximately 110 km (beyond visual range). The Astra Mk-2, in advanced development, aims for approximately 160 km with a dual-pulse rocket motor. The Astra Mk-3 / SFDR is under development and aims for 300+ km using ramjet propulsion.
Sources: [1]
Which aircraft can carry the Astra?
The Astra Mk-1 is currently integrated on the Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk-1/1A. Future integration is planned for the Tejas Mk-2, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), and any future MRFA winner. The missile can be carried on standard NATO/station-compatible hardpoints.
Sources: [1]
How does Astra compare to the R-77 and Derby missiles?
The Astra Mk-1 (~110 km) has comparable range to the Russian R-77 (~80-100 km) and exceeds the Israeli Derby (~50 km). The Astra uses an indigenous active radar seeker and mid-course data-link, making it a viable replacement for imported BVR missiles on Indian fighter aircraft. The Mk-2 variant (~160 km) will exceed the range of both the R-77 and Derby.
Sources: [1]
Open Questions
- Exact production quantity for Astra Mk-1 not publicly disclosed
- Astra Mk-2 induction timeline not confirmed
- Astra Mk-3 (SFDR) development timeline and range not confirmed
- Whether Astra will be offered for export
Sources
- src-1IndicativeAstra (missile) — Wikipedia
Comprehensive Astra missile family specifications and programme history
- src-2OfficialDRDO RCI — Astra BVR missile
DRDO RCI — Astra programme (domain root)
- src-3CredibleDRDO's Astra Mk2 Clears Trials, Set for 2026 Induction as India Enters 240-km BVR Club
Astra Mk2 trials report
- src-4CredibleIndian Air Force approves additional Astra Mk 1 production
Astra Mk1 additional production report
- src-atlas-listingIndicativeAstra Air-to-Air Missile Family — Defence Atlas listing
Own register: indicative only, never official per standing evidence rules. All listing-derived figures in this dossier are attributed to this source.