IAF Initiates Limited Procurement of Astra Mk2 Air-to-Air Missiles, 160km Range and Advanced Seeker Expected

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards bolstering its aerial combat capabilities with the limited procurement of Astra Mk2 missiles.This move marks the commencement of production for this advanced Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), showcasing the IAF's commitment to integrating cutting-edge indigenous technology into its arsenal.

The Astra Mk2 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Astra Mk1, which is already operational on IAF platforms like the Su-30MKI and the Tejas LCA. The Mk2 variant boasts several key enhancements:

• Extended Range: With a reported range of 160 kilometers, the Astra Mk2 surpasses the Mk1, providing the IAF with an expanded engagement envelope against aerial threats.
• Enhanced Maneuverability: The missile features improved maneuverability, allowing for better control over its trajectory and increasing the no-escape zone for enemy aircraft.
• Advanced Seeker: The Astra Mk2 is equipped with an indigenously developed, highly advanced seeker, enhancing its effectiveness in complex electronic warfare environments.

While the exact number of missiles to be procured in this initial phase remains undisclosed, this procurement signifies the IAF's confidence in the Astra Mk2 and its potential to significantly enhance India's air combat capabilities. The Astra Mk2 is expected to be a game-changer for the IAF, providing a potent weapon system to counter aerial threats and maintain air superiority in the region.

 

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[sanket]

That's great news; it's a game-changer BVR. Once again, air dominance is tilted towards Bharat. Congrats DRDO; I think it may have an AESA seeker.

 

[Admiral kanhoji angre]

Is it LSP?

 

[sanket]

Is it LSP?

Yes, they will be randomly tested, and after that, a big order will be placed based on the feedback of firing trials from this limited Astra MK2 production batch.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

But in September 2024, there was an article in Deccan Herald, stating: "Upgraded BVR missile Astra Mk-2 will be ready for IAF induction in two years."

So is this the case of a deal without having a single production-ready missile? So deliveries will start at best after two years then.

 

[Anant]

But in September 2024, there was an article in Deccan Herald, stating: "Upgraded BVR missile Astra Mk-2 will be ready for IAF induction in two years."

So is this the case of a deal without having a single production-ready missile? So deliveries will start at best after two years then.

The first order of business would be to produce a few Astra Mk 2 missiles for integration and pre-induction training, which will take a fair while. During that time, Astra Mk 1 production and deliveries would continue. Once that is done, we move to the production of the Astra Mk 2.

 

[V K Verma]

Astra 2 with a 160 km range will not prove very helpful for India. Unless such missiles have more than a 250 km range, they cannot be effective for the Indian Air Force to show their superiority. Further, the speed of such missiles will also have a very important role in creating havoc. A speed of less than Mach 3.5 may be doubtful to have much impact.

 

[beencensured]

Yes, they will be randomly tested, and after that, a big order will be placed based on the feedback of firing trials from this limited Astra MK2 production batch.

Why they have so many hurdles for indigenous arms? It is like we are waiting for Pakistan to develop counter. Certainly DRDO could not test these missiles without Indian Ait Force?

 

[beencensured]

The first order of business would be to produce a few Astra Mk 2 missiles for integration and pre-induction training, which will take a fair while. During that time, Astra Mk 1 production and deliveries would continue. Once that is done, we move to the production of the Astra Mk 2.

You guys only dream of hurdles. Why this is never procedure for foreign arms. Further IAF is involved in testing process so why this double test.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Wow, that's music to ears. Many congratulations DRDO and IAF.

 

[sanket]

Why they have so many hurdles for indigenous arms? It is like we are waiting for Pakistan to develop counter. Certainly DRDO could not test these missiles without Indian Ait Force?

For perfection and fine-tuning, even the Astra MK1's first order was only 50, then followed by 250.

 

[beencensured]

For perfection and fine-tuning, even the Astra MK1's first order was only 50, then followed by 250.

In life Pakistan aar is not going to wait for India to get best weapons. We have no weapons of this class except Rafales which are too limited in numbers. So, decission making should be not bureaucratic.

 

[AK S]

For perfection and fine-tuning, even the Astra MK1's first order was only 50, then followed by 250.

Numbers of even Mk1 is pitifully low. It’s barely enough for 5-6 squadrons. Anyways we have Russian options for MiGs and Sukhois.

 

[AK S]

Astra 2 with a 160 km range will not prove very helpful for India. Unless such missiles have more than a 250 km range, they cannot be effective for the Indian Air Force to show their superiority. Further, the speed of such missiles will also have a very important role in creating havoc. A speed of less than Mach 3.5 may be doubtful to have much impact.

Not all aerial duels are 250 km away. In fact, the majority on our northern and western borders will be under 100km.

Long range is more for tankers and AWACS.

 

[Rational Guy]

That's great news; it's a game-changer BVR. Once again, air dominance is tilted towards Bharat. Congrats DRDO; I think it may have an AESA seeker.

Only for next 4 years. After Pakistan gets J35 balance will tilt again for next 10 years.

 

[Sandeep]

Numbers of even Mk1 is pitifully low. It’s barely enough for 5-6 squadrons. Anyways we have Russian options for MiGs and Sukhois.

Larger orders were then placed and it’s being integrated among other jets.

 

[Akshat]

Is it LSP?

It's nothing as of now. It's like Rudram where IAF started the procurement process in 2022 but the missile wasn't even offered for user trials till 2023 (not sure if it has been given even till now). At this point the missile hasn't even cleared basic trials.

 

[Sandeep]

Only for next 4 years. After Pakistan gets J35 balance will tilt again for next 10 years.

Nope China will never sell them such a jet. They know the USA will pay Pakistan so they can have a good close look at the jet, it’s technology and capabilities in order to find the weak points.

 

[Akshat]

But in September 2024, there was an article in Deccan Herald, stating: "Upgraded BVR missile Astra Mk-2 will be ready for IAF induction in two years."

So is this the case of a deal without having a single production-ready missile? So deliveries will start at best after two years then.

Yes. IAF starts the process well in advance but DRDO just keeps delaying.

 

[Akshat]

You guys only dream of hurdles. Why this is never procedure for foreign arms. Further IAF is involved in testing process so why this double test.

This is not the procedure for foreign arms because IAF wants indigenous weapons. Process for foreign arms is far more stringent. As for IAF, it has to test the lies of DRDO. We can't risk the lives of our soldiers on the duds made by DRDO.

 

[Akshat]

Wow, that's music to ears. Many congratulations DRDO and IAF.

No need to congratulate yet. The missile hasn't even cleared the trials yet.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great news that they are starting the process to buy the missiles and it’s good that the Astra 2 is ready for induction now. We need to quickly order large number of these missiles and integrate it among all of the other jets across the entire fleet.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

The first order of business would be to produce a few Astra Mk 2 missiles for integration and pre-induction training, which will take a fair while. During that time, Astra Mk 1 production and deliveries would continue. Once that is done, we move to the production of the Astra Mk 2.

Yeah integration takes time, probably going to need Russian support for integration in the Su 30. Both Mk1 & Mk 2 production might continue concurrently depending on needs expessed by the IAF or "potential" export orders...

 

[sanket]

Only for next 4 years. After Pakistan gets J35 balance will tilt again for next 10 years.

Don't worry. Next year, Astra MK3 procurement will commence, which is the father of all BVR missiles, with 350km+ range. It will be a permanent tilt in favor of Bharat, from fighter jets to AWACS, refueling tankers, etc. Total domination in the sky.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

No need to congratulate yet. The missile hasn't even cleared the trials yet.

How do you know. Till date no news of MK2 even fired but got news of LSP to start.. it means all done