Tejas Successfully Test-Fires Indigenous Astra Missile, Hits Target with Precision

Chandipur- India’s indigenously-built Tejas light combat aircraft on Wednesday successfully test-fired the homegrown air-to-air missile Astra off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, marking a major step in enhancing the country’s air combat capabilities.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the test-firing demonstrated a direct hit on a flying target, with all subsystems performing accurately and meeting mission objectives.

Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra missile is capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 100 kilometers. It is equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems, ensuring greater accuracy in neutralizing airborne threats.

The Astra missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force, bolstering its air superiority. The ministry highlighted that this successful test is a crucial milestone toward the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant, enhancing the combat readiness of the Tejas fleet.