Overview

• Media reports citing defence sources say DRDO intends to extend the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile’s range to beyond 200 kilometres.
• A proposal to procure about 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles is expected to be taken up by the Defence Ministry shortly, according to ANI.
• The planned missiles would be integrated on the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas fleets to extend engagement distances.
• Earlier plans put the Mark 2’s range near 160 kilometres, while the in-service Astra Mark 1 exceeds 100 kilometres.
• The programme builds on a domestic industrial base involving more than 50 Indian companies, with reporting framing the push against regional BVR benchmarks such as China’s PL-15 and the Rafale-carried Meteor.