New Delhi: State-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will supply an unspecified number of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) and associated equipment to Indian Air Force and Indian Navy under a deal signed today.
BDL, which has got the technology from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for production of these missiles, signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for supplying the missiles at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore, a statement issued by the Defence Ministry said.
ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM has been indigenously designed & developed by DRDO based on the Staff Requirements issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement reducing the dependency on foreign sources, it said.
“The Transfer of Technology from DRDO to BDL for production of ASTRA MK-I missile and all associated systems has been completed and production at BDL is in progress,” the statement said.
Air to Air missile with BVR capability provides large Stand Off Ranges to own fighter aircraft which can neutralise the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to adversary Air Defence measures, thereby gaining & sustaining superiority of the Air Space, it added.
This missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems, the statement contended.
ASTRA MK-I missile and all associated systems for its launch, ground handling & testing has been developed by DRDO in coordination with the IAF.
The missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the IAF, is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft & will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), the government said.
The Indian Navy will integrate the missile on the MiG 29K fighter aircraft, it added.
“This project will act as a catalyst for development of Infrastructure and Testing facilities at BDL,” the Ministry said.
