Context:

• Astra, the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), was successfully test fired by the Indian Air Force from Su-30 aircraft, from Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.
• The missile successfully engaged a manoeuvring target with high precision meeting the mission objectives.
• In the series of trials held to date, Astra has been launched in the complete Su-30 flight envelope.

About Astra

• Astra is the best in the class weapon system.
• Astra an all-weather beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• It is the first air-to-air missile developed by India.
• It features mid-course inertial guidance with terminal active radar homing.
• Astra is designed to be capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes allowing for engagement of both short-range targets at a distance of 20 km (12 mi) and long-range targets up to a distance of 80 km (50 mi).

Source: PIB