NEW DELHI: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday successfully conducted trials of the Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) ‘ASTRA’ with an indigenous RF seeker against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges.Conducted off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, the test validated the Astra missile’s advanced precision and lethality. The missile scored a direct hit on a flying target, with all onboard subsystems performing flawlessly and meeting the mission’s technical objectives.“DRDO and @IAF_MCC conducted successful trials of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) ‘ASTRA’ with indigenous RF seeker against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha,” DRDO posted on X.ASTRA is designed to take out aerial targets at distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Its cutting-edge guidance and navigation systems give it the ability to strike with high accuracy. The missile has already been inducted into service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), bolstering the nation’s air defence framework.The success of this trial is seen as a key milestone toward the operational deployment of the LCA AF MK1A variant, which is a more advanced version of the indigenous fighter jet. It reflects the increasing maturity of India’s homegrown defence production ecosystem.Behind the achievement is the coordinated effort of multiple organisations: the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA), Indian Air Force, and the test range team.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the teams involved in the successful mission, praising the synergy among the various stakeholders. Dr Samir V Kamat, chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, also commended the collaborative spirit of scientists, engineers, and technicians who contributed to the milestone test.This successful firing of Astra from the LCA platform not only demonstrates the missile’s capabilities but also reinforces India’s growing technological edge in aerial warfare systems.