The development and maturation of locally designed and manufactured weaponry that will equip the LCA Tejas MK1 and MK1A of the Indian Air Force continue to advance. This is evidenced by the most recent launch of an ASTRA BVR missile as part of a test conducted by the Aeronautical Development Agency of India (ADA) on March 12.
Arising from the cooperation and development carried out by various organizations, the ASTRA is India’s new long-range air-to-air BVR-type missile developed to equip the fighters of its combat fleet. Through various tests conducted over the past years, it has been reported that the missile would have an approximate range of 100 kilometers, as was stated in 2019.
The recent test was conducted by a prototype aircraft of the LCA Tejas MK1 used by ADA and other organizations for Flight Testing. It consisted of the launch of an ASTRA missile against an aerial target off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
From the Ministry of Defense of India, they stated: “The firing test successfully demonstrated the direct impact of the missile on a flying target. All subsystems operated with precision, meeting all parameters and mission objectives.” Adding: “The successful firing test is a significant milestone towards the integration of the LCA AF MK1A.”
This last point highlighted in the official statement from the Ministry of Defense is not a minor detail, as progress is being made in the production and delivery by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of the first LCA Tejas MK1A fighters to the Indian Air Force.
During the Aero India 2025 event, which took place last February, it was reported that HAL was preparing for the delivery of the first units of the LCA Tejas MK1A, as part of an order for 83 new aircraft. Four of these fighters were showcased at the event, later performing demonstration flights in front of the public.
The MK1A is the new version of the LCA Tejas that will equip the Indian Air Force, incorporating a range of new capabilities and locally developed equipment that expand the combat aircraft’s performance while increasing the country’s self-sufficiency in military equipment acquisition. Notably, this includes the new Uttam AESA radar and improved electronic warfare systems.
Finally, regarding the introduction of the new ASTRA missile, the Indian Air Force has confirmed an order for a total of 200 new missiles to be produced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), intended to equip the LCA Tejas MK1 and Su-30MKI.
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