LCA Tejas Successfully Test Fires Indigenous ASTRA Missile

• 25 Aug 2023

On 23^rd August, the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile was successfully test fired from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Limited Series Production-7 (LSP-7) off the coast of Goa.

Key Points:

• Precise Missile Launch: The Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) reported that the missile was launched from the LSP-7 aircraft at an altitude of around 20,000 ft, achieving all test objectives.
• ASTRA's Significance: ASTRA is a state-of-the-art indigenous BVR air-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories.
• It is designed to engage and neutralize high-maneuvering supersonic aerial targets.
• Enhanced Combat Capability: Successful ASTRA launches from Tejas fighters will substantially bolster Tejas' combat capabilities and decrease reliance on imported weaponry.
• Progress towards Self-Reliance: The indigenous BVR missile launch from the native Tejas aircraft signifies a significant stride in India's quest for self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.