Officials confirmed that the missile, which can strike targets more than 100 kilometres away, comes fitted with a locally designed radio frequency seeker and a modern guidance system. According to the Ministry of Defence, “The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight-test of indigenous beyond visual range air-to-air missile ‘Astra’ equipped with indigenous radio frequency seeker from Su-30 Mk-I platform.”
Zero misses, clean hits
The test involved two Astra missiles launched under different combat conditions. Both hit high-speed unmanned aerial targets squarely. “In both the cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy,” said the Ministry.
Data from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur confirmed every part of the weapon system did what it was built to do. The Ministry added, “The flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by range tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.”
A big win for local industry
Behind Astra’s precision is a vast network of local effort. More than 50 public and private firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, have shaped this missile’s journey from design table to fighter jet. This means India is cutting its dependence on foreign parts for vital systems like the radio frequency seeker.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a landmark moment. “The successful testing of the missile with indigenous seeker is a major milestone in critical defence technology,” he said. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams who made it possible.
Why it matters in the skies
For the Indian Air Force, Astra is no minor upgrade. Its range lets pilots tackle threats while staying out of enemy reach. Its homegrown seeker means India controls the core technology, which shields supply chains from sudden export bans or price spikes. In time, Astra will join more squadrons and could even equip other fighter jets like the Tejas Mk-2 and Rafale.
New mobile Howitzer steps up Army firepower
Alongside Astra, DRDO is pushing ahead on the ground too. This week, it showed off the new Indigenous 155mm/52 Calibre Mounted Gun System, built by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE).
It plugs a long-standing gap: mobile artillery that can shoot and scoot in rugged terrain. Speaking to ANI, VRDE Director G Ramamohana Rao said, “This is a 155mm/52 calibre gun. Such guns already exist, but they are towed separately and take time to deploy. Our MGS is different. It is quick, just 80 seconds to deploy and 85 seconds to move. It is fully made in India and can also be exported to other countries.”
Defence goals aligned with Make in India
The new Mounted Gun System shows how India wants to control vital battlefield tools. Unlike traditional towed guns that slow down troop movement, the MGS can fire, reposition and fire again, making it harder for enemies to pin down artillery.
VRDE’s work is part of a Technology Demonstrator Project based on the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. The aim is to deliver rapid response guns that meet modern combat needs without import dependence.
From the skies over Odisha to the testing grounds for heavy guns, India’s message is clear. Build it here, trust it here, field it here. The Astra missile and the MGS might be two different projects, but both point to the same shift: stronger homegrown capability, less reliance on imports and a sharper edge for the Armed Forces when it matters most.
