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Astra Mk2 Explained: Inside India's Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile
M
Moneycontrol•13-10-2026, 07:43
Astra Mk2 Explained: Inside India's Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile
- •Astra Mk2 is an indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by DRDO to engage enemy aircraft at substantially greater distances.
- •The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement proposal for Astra Mk2 in December 2025, boosting India's air combat capabilities.
- •The missile features a reported dual-pulse solid rocket motor designed to improve long-range performance and target evasion resilience.
- •While development targets suggest an increased range and high-supersonic speed, final operational qualifications and induction dates are yet to be finalized.
Key Questions Answered
Astra Mk2 is an indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to allow fighter jets to engage airborne targets from considerable distances.
The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement proposal for Astra Mk2 on December 29, 2025, as part of broader armed forces proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore.
Astra Mk2 is being developed with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor that divides available propellant into separate combustion phases, helping the missile retain more energy and manoeuvrability during the later part of its flight.
