DRDO Sets Sights on Astra MkIV BVRAAM to Counter 5th Gen Stealth Jets, Can Be Equipped on India's AMCA

India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is forging ahead with its ambitious Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) program, with the Astra MkIV now on the horizon. This new missile concept is being specifically designed to counter the advanced stealth aircraft expected to dominate the skies in the mid-to-late 2030s.

The DRDO's Astra program has already delivered the Astra MkI, a reliable BVRAAM currently operational within the Indian Air Force (IAF). Building on this success, the Astra MkII is nearing the end of its development phase, promising enhanced range and accuracy. However, the Astra MkIV represents a significant leap forward, targeting high-speed, stealthy platforms that pose a new level of challenge.

According to sources, the DRDO is in the early stages of defining the technologies required for the Astra MkIV. This will likely involve advanced guidance and propulsion systems to engage targets at greater speeds and altitudes, while also incorporating low-probability-of-intercept features to effectively target stealth aircraft.

The DRDO is actively studying cutting-edge technologies from similar programs worldwide, exploring concepts such as multi-mode seekers and dual-pulse rocket motors to ensure the Astra MkIV remains relevant and adaptable to evolving threats.

Developing a seeker capable of locking onto highly stealthy platforms is a key priority. This necessitates advancements in radar and infrared guidance technology. A multi-mode seeker, combining both radar and IR capabilities, is being considered to allow the missile to detect and track low-observable targets across various operational conditions.

Another critical area is the propulsion system. The Astra MkIV requires a system that provides both extended range and the ability to engage high-speed targets. This could involve new rocket motor technology or even ramjet propulsion, which enables sustained high speeds over longer distances.

The IAF is expected to provide detailed specifications and performance expectations for the Astra MkIV once the initial conceptual work is complete. While the missile remains in the preliminary study phase, the DRDO is aligning its research efforts to meet these anticipated requirements.

If development proceeds as planned, prototype testing for the Astra MkIV could begin by the mid-2030s, with potential induction into service by the late 2030s. This timeline aligns with the anticipated development of India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5-generation stealth fighter that would be a prime candidate to carry this advanced missile system.

 

[sanket]

Astra MKIV: Good DRDO taking initiative in developing BVR ahead of other competitors. Only thing should be speed, range, weight & length, unlike Russia having BVR of 400 km with 500 kg weight which is very heavy.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

We need to develop similar range and speed as R37M. But with AESA seeker and SFDR technology.

 

[beencensured]

100% effort should go into making new missiles, but DRDO has stated it can come out with a new missile within five years. Both Astra 2 and Astra 3 are in the testing phase, so it is necessary to make a move for the next step. Also, make WVR/CCM and a variety of different seekers like electro-optical, infrared, and MMW.

 

[Anant]

Maybe have them develop a WVRAAM first? We are still importing those or using aging Russian missiles.

 

[Abs29]

So how many decades should we wait for the so-called Astra MKIV to materialize?

We are yet to enter serious prototype testing of Astra MKIII, and these yahoos are already dreaming of Astra MKIV. Always on the lookout for the next opportunity to fleece the government in the name of R&D, without delivering any tangible product as an outcome within the stipulated time.

 

[sanket]

100% effort should go into making new missiles, but DRDO has stated it can come out with a new missile within five years. Both Astra 2 and Astra 3 are in the testing phase, so it is necessary to make a move for the next step. Also, make WVR/CCM and a variety of different seekers like electro-optical, infrared, and MMW.

yeah need badly Indigenous WVR/CCM Rather than ASRAAM under license mfg

 

[Andy]

Don't know why people are cribbing. Mk1 is inducted. 2 is shortly on the way. 3 is in testing and trials. 4 is being conceived.

 

[Ashutosh Shukla]

Ramjet engine is already in ASTRA MK3 so may be hypersonic engine

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Ramjet engine is already in ASTRA MK3 so may be hypersonic engine

No, Astra Mark-2 is powered by a dual pulse motor. Astra Mark-3 will be powered by ramjet propulsion.

 

[Akshat]

100% effort should go into making new missiles, but DRDO has stated it can come out with a new missile within five years. Both Astra 2 and Astra 3 are in the testing phase, so it is necessary to make a move for the next step. Also, make WVR/CCM and a variety of different seekers like electro-optical, infrared, and MMW.

Yeah, they claimed that but Mk2 and mk3 are in development for 8 and 10+ years respectively. And we are nowhere close to induction. Mk3 hasn’t even been launched once. And no public info regarding status of Mk2 trials.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great that they are planning for future next generation technology but the main problem is that DRDO are too slow in delivering what we need right now. We can’t keep making foreign expensive imports so other countries can get rich.

We need to quickly finish developing the Astra MK2 which is close to being ready according to them. At the same time they need to start producing and testing the Astra MK3 which will be even more complex because of the long range and developing the ramjet propulsion. Also we need to finish developing the Astra IR/CCM as well which is more complicated and difficult to develop but again they need to start testing the missile and not just keep it on paper.

Also for our AMCA they have to develop the next next generation missiles to use against stealth fighters but that is more complicated and difficult. The work on Astra MK4 should start now then because it will take them even longer to develop. DRDO needs to start accepting private sector help, talent and expertise which can cut down on development time and costs. Another option would be to accept foreign help as a technology and project adviser rather than making a deal and manufacturing it under license which will cost more in the long term.

 

[sandy 007]

Astra MKIV: Good DRDO taking initiative in developing BVR ahead of other competitors. Only thing should be speed, range, weight & length, unlike Russia having BVR of 400 km with 500 kg weight which is very heavy.

DRDO should concentrate on developing a BVR missile capable of destroying multiple aircraft (2-4) in a single launch. Similar to Pakistan's attempted attack on Indian posts during the URI conflict, where they employed several aircraft, we need a SAM or BVR missile capable of neutralizing such threats effectively. This could be achieved through a cluster of small BVR or SAM missiles surrounding a primary BVR missile with a 10-15 km range, resembling the Stinger missile system with sleek missiles around a central SAM or BVR.

 

[parimal vaikuthray Pandya]

When DRDO will be successful for getting completely indigenous production of fighter jets plane, in 30,40,50 or beyond

 

[Garuda]

It will definitely be tailor-made for the internal weapons bay of AMCA and another derivative for CATs Warrior.