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Astra, India's first indigenously developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, has successfully completed development trials! The importance of this addition to Indian Air Force's (IAF) firepower cannot be overstated. The successful test firing was done from a modified Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft. The Astra missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). DRDO claims that the missile is an all-weather weapon. We take a look at some cool facts about the new Astra missile:
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Astra missile: According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the successful trials were conducted over the Bay of Bengal, Off the Coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The trials took place between September 11-14, 2017. (Image: Raksha Mantri Twitter)
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Astra missile: As many as seven trials were conducted against pilotless target aircraft, says the Ministry of Defence. (File Photo)
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Astra missile: The intense trials of the missile included "engagement of target at very long range, engagement of high manoeuvring target at medium range and multiple launches of missiles in salvo to engage multiple targets," the statement says. (File Photo)
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Astra missile: The mission objectives and parameters were met by all sub-systems of the missile, including the indigenous RF Seeker. (File Photo)
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Astra missile: Not only that, according to the Defence Ministry, two missiles were also launched in the combat configuration with warhead. The targets were neutralized, says the Defence Ministry. (File Photo)
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Astra missile: While HAL has helped in modification of the Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft for the tests of the missile, over 50 public and private industries are said to have contributed to making the weapon system. (File Photo)
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Astra missile: G Satheesh Reddy, the Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems, has expressed confidence that the technologies developed under the Astra programme will serve as building blocks for more variants of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. (File Photo)
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