Reports noted that the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out the flight trial of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). The missile test validated the dual mode guidance system when fired against a simulated target from the ground1.

The Astra is being developed as high-end tactical missile to intercept enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds. The missile can intercept targets in a head-on mode at 80 kilometers an hour and in a tail-chase mode at 20 km an hour. Three aircraft will be fitted with the Astra eventually, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, the MiG-29 and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

• 1. “DRDO Tests Astra BVRAAM,” May 9, 2009, at http://www.domain-b.com/aero/mil_avi/miss_muni/20090511_astra_bvraam.html