DRDO's Astra Mk-2 missile gets major range boost
India's DRDO is giving its Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missile a major boost—its range is jumping from 160km to over 200km.
This upgrade means the Indian Air Force will have stronger long-distance strike power, with plans to add about 700 of these missiles to its Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas jets.
New missile packs dual-pulse solid rocket motor
The new Astra Mk-2 packs a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, an indigenous RF seeker, with AESA-based seeker modules under development/trial, and smarter tech to dodge enemy jamming.
It even uses ideas from China's PL-15E missile, including a Home-on-Jam (HOJ) system, making it tough to beat in electronic warfare.
Astra Mk-2 is a true 'Make in India' project
Astra Mk-2 is a true "Make in India" project, with over 50 local companies—including HAL and BDL—working together.
By matching the tech of global rivals like the PL-15E, India is showing it can build world-class defense gear right at home.