IAF To Utilize Two-Tiered Missile Strategy with Astra MkII and MkIII

The Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to bolster its air defense capabilities with a comprehensive approach to beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.

Recent rumors of abandoning the Astra MkII missile for the longer-range Astra MkIII have been dismissed. The IAF confirms plans to acquire both the Astra MkII and MkIII in large numbers, creating a flexible two-tiered missile defense system.

The IAF's strategy emphasizes both cost-effectiveness and long-range strike capabilities.

The Astra MkII employs a cost-saving dual-pulse motor, allowing it to be equipped across numerous fighter jets, significantly enhancing the force's overall air-to-air combat potential.

Meanwhile, the ramjet-powered Astra MkIII, with its 350km range, is designed to neutralize high-value enemy targets like aerial refueling tankers (AWACS) from a great distance.

Balancing Cost and Capabilities​

The IAF recognizes the distinct roles each missile serves. An IAF spokesperson emphasized that the Astra MkII offers a cost-effective solution for widespread defense capabilities, while the MkIII will be an asset for engaging strategic targets at extreme ranges.

Analysts agree with this approach. They notes that this two-tier strategy allows the IAF to build a multi-layered BVR system, strengthening its baseline defense with the MkII and extending its deterrent capabilities with the MkIII.

A Strong, Flexible Defense​

The combination of Astra MkII and MkIII missiles gives the IAF the ability to tailor its response to any aerial threat, guaranteeing optimal protection.

This strategy demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining aerial dominance within the region.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Why Astra mark 2 is still at the development stage.where is the issue

 

[sanket]

what is Role of Astra MK3 ..............??? Slow moving targets Like AWACS ,Refuelling Tnkers Military Transport Aircraft . i thought it can also hit More Agile and Highly Maneourable Fighter jets.

 

[Aritra Nath]

Both missiles have their cons and pro.

 

[Kira]

The Mk-2 is for nimble fighter jet sized targets,while Mk-3 is for targetting larger cumbersome targets like AWACs and tankers which operate far from the front lines thus requiring longer range munitions.
While longer ranged AAMs can be used against smaller fighters at extreme ranges provided onboard Radar can detect them,it will become almost impossible to home in on the enemy jet due to its nimbleness and larger AAM relatively lack of agility.

 

[Akshat]

Why Astra mark 2 is still at the development stage.where is the issue

DRDO is the issue.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

what is Role of Astra MK3 ..............??? Slow moving targets Like AWACS ,Refuelling Tnkers Military Transport Aircraft . i thought it can also hit More Agile and Highly Maneourable Fighter jets.

Both uses but mainly for long range slow moving targets

 

[beencensured]

what is Role of Astra MK3 ..............??? Slow moving targets Like AWACS ,Refuelling Tnkers Military Transport Aircraft . i thought it can also hit More Agile and Highly Maneourable Fighter jets.

Longer range targets need to be more predictable flight paths and so tankers, awacs, transport is easily targeted at long range. Whereas fighter aircraft from long range could more likely take an unpredictable path that would make missile reaching improbable from long range. Now, further the astra 3 its ability to chase is less up to upper limit of range. Typically ram jet are more maneuverable and so have better kill rate at short distances. The main advantage of dual pulse would be cost. Ram jet might be faster than dual-pulse, but have not heard confirmation. Ramjet should be around near hypersonic as what propulsion type SFDR.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to quickly develop the ASTRA IR, MK2 and MK3 to ensure it has a full range of missiles to cover our air space which increases our fire power as well. It will also cut down on foreign expensive imports and leave us less reliant on foreign countries who can refuse to sell it put us under sanctions.

India also needs to quickly design and develop the Rudram series of MK1, MK2 and MK3 air to surface missiles which can be used to target radiation radars but also a variant to target critical bunkers, bases, ports, infrastructure or communications networks etc. We also need a variant with a penetration and blast type of warhead for hardened or reinforced structures and underground bases.

Equally important is to develop long range laser guided and precision guided bombs where we can input the coordinates and allow the bomb to hit the target by itself with ease.

 

[Vinod Kaka]

If IAF has Astra mk2 & mk3 in its arsenals post Balakote strikes Pakistan didn't dare to think of operation Swift retort.. Although Rafale equipped with Meteor missiles can also deter our adversaries from entering our Airspace but these are very expensive n limited in numbers so can't fill the gaps for the country like india with such a large airspace to defend against provocative adversaries.

 

[Pad UwU]

This is nuts😹😹😹
How can you make a mk3 if you can't even know how to make it a mk2 🤭... Just rename mk3 as mk2 version 2😹 as a co series... Like astra mk2 version 1(fighter jet) and mk2 version 3(AWACS and refueler)

 

[Superpower Bharat]

This is nuts😹😹😹
How can you make a mk3 if you can't even know how to make it a mk2 🤭... Just rename mk3 as mk2 version 2😹 as a co series... Like astra mk2 version 1(fighter jet) and mk2 version 3(AWACS and refueler)

Both are different missile. Technology are different. Separate project.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Why Astra mark 2 is still at the development stage.where is the issue

By end of this year we will get a clear picture. Have patient.

 

[Pink Panther]

Why Astra mark 2 is still at the development stage.where is the issue

News will come out slowly that Astra MK2 is already inducted.

 

[Pink Panther]

what is Role of Astra MK3 ..............??? Slow moving targets Like AWACS ,Refuelling Tnkers Military Transport Aircraft . i thought it can also hit More Agile and Highly Maneourable Fighter jets.

MK3 is for extended range target at 350Km, MK2 is for targets at 150-160Km range, shorter range missiles are more accurate, also MK2 is based on Barak’s dual pulse rocket motor tech, we need A2A missiles for a variety of ranges, many countries have this capability including Chinese.

 

[Indian1]

Where is astra mk- II and mk-III? Not existing in real life. Then why this discussion on whether one will be abandoned for other?

 

[joseph dioneda]

This is a great news for the IAF for having and developing two type of Astra BVRAAM, the Astra ll and the much longer range, the Astra lll well i hope that in the near future ahead, the country of India would also develop an export variants of this two types of BVRAAM for possible foreign sales, someday.