The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to strengthen its beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability by procuring the 160-kilometer variant of the indigenous Astra MkII air-to-air missile. According to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sources, the acquisition will serve as an interim capability ahead of the introduction of an extended-range 200–220 km version currently under development.
The phased induction strategy is expected to accelerate operational deployment, with the 160-km missile targeted for clearance by the end of 2026 before transitioning to the longer-range variant. This approach is intended to ensure that the IAF maintains a competitive edge in long-range aerial engagements.
Developed as the successor to the Astra MkI, the Astra MkII incorporates a dual-pulse rocket motor to improve end-game maneuverability and an active radar seeker for all-weather target engagement. The missile is designed to equip frontline platforms including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas fighter aircraft, while integrating with indigenous Uttam AESA radar systems and reducing reliance on imported BVR missiles.
DRDO is simultaneously pursuing propulsion and aerodynamic improvements that are expected to extend the missile’s range beyond 200 kilometers. The organization plans to validate these technologies before introducing the upgraded variant, allowing production to evolve without disrupting manufacturing.
According to sources, the 160-km Astra MkII is expected to enter limited-series production shortly, with operational induction beginning around 2027. This phased production model will enable Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to transition efficiently to manufacturing the extended-range version.
The procurement forms part of the IAF’s broader modernization strategy, with plans to eventually acquire up to 700 Astra MkII missiles. Initial deliveries will focus on operational evaluation before larger-scale production. The programme also highlights the growing confidence in indigenous missile technology, with Astra increasingly emerging as a preferred solution for future fighter upgrades and laying the foundation for even longer-range variants such as the ramjet-powered Astra MkIII.
