India’s DRDO Works to Extend Astra Mark-2 Air-to-Air Missile Range Beyond 200 km

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working to extend the range of the Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile beyond 200 kilometers. Earlier reports suggested a range of around 160 km, but efforts are now underway to enhance its head-range to over 200 km. The Ministry of Defence is expected to deliberate on this proposal soon.

The Astra Mark-2 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, designed to strike targets from distances beyond the pilot’s visual range. Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) may acquire around 700 such missiles, to be deployed on Sukhoi fighter jets and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as launch platforms.

DRDO has partnered with over 50 public and private institutions, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and multiple research labs, in the development of the Astra missile family. The Astra Mark-1 already has a range exceeding 100 km, equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems.

Defense analysts note that if the Astra Mark-2’s range exceeds 200 km, it will surpass several regional competitors’ missiles in performance. Pakistan’s Air Force operates long-range missiles, such as the AIM-120 C-5 AMRAAM on F-16 jets, with a range of approximately 100–120 km. Some reports also suggest Pakistan acquired China’s PL-15 export version, with an estimated range of 145 km.

Sources referencing Operation Sindhur claim that some of Pakistan’s air capabilities were affected during the engagement, and the PL-15 did not achieve the expected results. However, the veracity of these claims varies depending on the sources.