Astra Missile

News:Indian Air Force has successfully flight-tested Astra missile off the coast of Odisha. 

Facts:

About Astra missile:

  • Astra is the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile(BVRAAM).
  • The BVRAAM technology enables fighter-pilots to shoot precisely at the enemy targets which are beyond their visual range.
  • The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The missile has a range of over 70 km.It can fly towards the target at a speed of over 5,555 km per hour.
  • The missile has a 15-kilogramme high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead and the missile is also capable of engaging targets of different ranges and altitudes.
  • Further,Astra missile also has some highly advanced features like Electronic Counter-Countermeasures or ECCM.This feature enables Astra missile to overcome defensive measures put forth for the target by the enemy.