An Astra indigenous beyond visual range air-to-air missile was successfully test-fired from the light combat aircraft, Tejas off the coast of Goa.

The missile release was successfully carried out from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 ft.

All the objectives of the test were met, and it was a perfect textbook launch.

The Launch would significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependence on imported weapons.

The Astra missile is an air-to-air beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is designed to be fired from fighter aircraft to engage and destroy hostile aircraft at various ranges. The missile system aims to enhance India's air defense capabilities and provide its armed forces with a modern and potent weapon.

Key features of the Astra missile include:

Beyond-Visual-Range Capability: The Astra missile is capable of engaging targets beyond the visual range, meaning it can target and intercept enemy aircraft at distances where the pilot cannot directly see the target.

Active Radar Homing: Astra uses active radar homing technology, which means it has its own radar system that actively seeks and locks onto the target aircraft.

This technology helps the missile accurately track and engage fast-moving targets.

Variants: The Astra missile has different variants with varying ranges. The initial version, Astra Mk-I, has a range of around 80 to 110 kilometers. The Astra Mk-II is an improved version with extended range capabilities.

Compatibility: Astra missiles are designed to be launched from a variety of aircraft, including the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the upcoming Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

Fire-and-Forget: Astra is a fire-and-forget missile, meaning once it's launched, the aircraft can maneuver and engage other targets without needing to maintain continuous guidance on the missile.

High Manoeuvrability: The missile is known for its high manoeuvrability, allowing it to perform sharp turns and evasive actions to track and intercept agile and evading targets.

The development of the Astra missile is part of India's efforts to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on imported military equipment.

It is considered a significant achievement in India's defense research and development sector.

The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.

It is the result of India's indigenous efforts to design, develop, and manufacture a modern combat aircraft for its armed forces.

The Tejas LCA is designed to perform various roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

Origins and Development: The Tejas program was initiated in the 1980s to create a capable replacement for India's aging MiG-21 fleet. The aircraft went through several phases of development and testing, with the aim of creating a cutting-edge, indigenous fighter aircraft.

Variants: The Tejas LCA comes in multiple variants, including:

• Tejas Mk-I: The initial operational version with limited combat capabilities.
• Tejas Mk-II: An upgraded version with improved performance, avionics, and weapon-carrying capacity.
• Tejas Naval: A variant designed for operation from aircraft carriers, developed to meet the Indian Navy's requirements.

Features: The Tejas LCA is a lightweight, delta-wing aircraft with modern avionics and composite materials construction. It features fly-by-wire controls, digital cockpit displays, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

Weapons: The Tejas is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and precision-guided munitions.

Engine: The Tejas initially used the General Electric F404 engine, and the later versions are expected to be powered by the more powerful GE F414 engine.

Operationalization: The Tejas has been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in limited numbers. The IAF has been gradually integrating the aircraft into its fleet and conducting operational exercises.

Indigenous Development: The Tejas program emphasizes indigenous development, with the goal of reducing dependency on foreign technology and equipment. It is a key component of India's "Make in India" initiative in the defense sector.

Challenges: The Tejas program faced various challenges during its development, including delays and technical issues. However, the project has demonstrated India's growing capability to develop advanced military technology.

Future Prospects: The Tejas Mk-II is expected to further enhance the aircraft's capabilities and address some of the limitations of the earlier versions.