On July 11, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted successful tests of the Astra missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, flying off the coast of Odisha. The Astra missile was equipped with a Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, allowing it to accurately strike its targets. This successful test of the Astra missile will contribute toward India’s capabilities in air combat.
The missile firing tests were conducted over the Bay of Bengal, where the Su-30 MKI fired the Astra missile twice against high-speed unmanned aerial targets flying at various ranges and in various directions. The Ministry of Defence stated that both missiles hit their targets with considerable accuracy, indicating the advanced capabilities of the missile system.
The Astra is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed to engage enemy aircraft well beyond the range of the launching aircraft. The version of the Astra missile tested is armed with a new indigenous RF Seeker, which enables the missile to lock on to and navigate toward the target. The RF seeker has been developed in India and demonstrates that India is taking strides in indigenous defense technology that will support self-reliance through the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
