IAF Plans to Integrate Astra Mk2 Missile on Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A by Year End, Trials Expected by Mid-2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of its indigenous Tejas fighter jet fleet by equipping them with the next-generation Astra Mk2 missile.

The integration process for this advanced, long-range air-to-air missile is scheduled to commence later this year on the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A aircraft, with critical firing trials anticipated by mid-2026.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra Mk2 is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) that has entered its final user trial phase.

This state-of-the-art weapon is designed to engage and destroy hostile aerial targets at an impressive range of 140 to 160 kilometres. Its induction marks a major step forward in India’s military aviation capabilities and its push for self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The new missile builds upon the capabilities of its predecessor, the Astra Mk1, which has a range of up to 110 km and is already operational on the IAF’s Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk1 fleets.

The Astra Mk2 features a sophisticated dual-pulse solid rocket motor, which provides it with increased energy and maneuverability during the final phase of an engagement. This technology significantly expands the missile's "no-escape zone," increasing its effectiveness against highly agile enemy aircraft.

From a strategic perspective, the Astra Mk2 positions the IAF on par with global air powers. Its operational range is comparable to that of the American AIM-120D AMRAAM and China's PL-15 missile, which is used by both China and Pakistan.

The missile's advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker ensures high precision and resistance to electronic jamming, making it a formidable tool against modern aerial threats posed by aircraft like the Pakistani JF-17 Block III and the Chinese J-10C.

This missile integration is a crucial upgrade for the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the fighter, featuring an AESA radar, an electronic warfare suite, and superior avionics.

The successful test-firing of the Astra Mk1 from a Tejas on March 12, 2025—which resulted in a direct hit on a target over 100 km away—has already proven the platform's capability to deploy long-range weapons.

The upcoming trials will further validate the synergy between the Astra Mk2 and the Tejas's advanced systems.

Hyderabad-based public sector unit Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has already commenced limited series production of the Astra Mk2. This initial production run follows extensive flight tests on the Su-30MKI platform and ensures the IAF has a ready stockpile as the missile completes its final trials.

Full-scale production is expected to begin by 2027, aligning with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive imported missiles like the European MBDA Meteor.

The move to equip the Tejas fleet with the Astra Mk2 is set against a backdrop of heightened regional security concerns.

The strategic importance of this capability was underscored during "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025, where Indian forces conducted precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.

By deploying Tejas Mk1A squadrons armed with the Astra Mk2 to key airbases such as Nal in Rajasthan and Naliya in Gujarat, the IAF aims to establish air dominance and effectively counter advanced missile systems operated by neighbouring countries.

 

[sanket]

Good, with dual & triple pylons on various fighter fleets, it will be the potent Astra Mk2 BVR with a cost-effective price tag of 7 Cr compared to 25 Cr for Meteor, which French MBDA denied to integrate on other platforms apart from Rafale. Not even Mirage-2000 was allowed to integrate the Meteor missile; that will end the monopoly of Meteor. Two to three firings will give the same Meteor performance. Good to know that Astra Mk2 will have an AESA seeker. Dassault missed the business opportunity by not allowing integration with other fighter fleets, plus local license production of the Meteor missile. Now MICA & MICA-NG will not be required anymore. Astra Mk2 will eat MICA-NG as well as Meteor business. Astra Mk2 will make Tejas Mk1A a more deadly platform; it's a game-changer BVR missile. BDL needs to ramp up the production rate from 50 to 200 per year. Astra Mk2 will also find a place in the export market with its cheap price tag.

 

[SK]

This is a good news. I hope we also develop an Indigenous ASAP as it will greatly reduce the economic burden & boost export options.

 

[Sunny]

While Astra Mk2 is a good counter against the PL-15 export version, we should also speed up Astra Mk3, which will place us on equal footing with China. The AMCA design should also incorporate Astra Mk2 and Mk3 internally.

 

[Sandeep]

This is very good news as now we can become more self reliant and we can eventually stop having to make expensive imports. We should also ensure that we install and integrate this missile across all of our jets to ensure commonality.

Now we need to quickly complete developing the Astra MK3 as soon as possible because that will give us a significant advantage. We should also consider creating a Astra MK4 missile which will give us a major strategic advantage in BVR missiles as we could hit the enemy first without exposing our jet and pilots.

 

[Rahul N]

Can anyone confirm whether Astra Mk1 or Mk2 can be guided midway from an AWACS? A data link from AWACS will make the missile stealthy, and the target jet won't even realize a missile is heading its way. I think this is the method Pakistan used to down Indian jets, and most likely our jet didn't even get radar warning of missile lock until the missile seeker got activated at 20 km away.

 

[sanjay9negi]

India should plan for awacs killer missiles... maybe Astra 4 with triple pulse motors and Astra 5 with scramjet engine once project Vishnu masters scramjet propulsion technology

 

[Miraj 2000]

Great news! If Astra Mk-II enters production, it will significantly support the development and rollout of Gandiva. The SFDR propulsion technology has largely been demonstrated; the key remaining challenges lie in integrating a gimballed seeker for off-boresight targeting and proving an AESA seeker. Of these, the AESA seeker is likely to be validated first.