ASTRA MISSILE
1. Context
Recently the Ministry of Defence said that it has signed a contract with the Hyderabad-based public-sector Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) for the supply of the Astra Mark-1, at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore, for deployment on fighter jets of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The Astra Mk-1 is a beyond visual range (BVR), air-to-air missile (AAM).
2. Astra Missile
- The Astra missile is an air-to-air missile, specifically categorized as a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
- It is designed to be launched from fighter aircraft against hostile aircraft, drones, or other aerial targets.
- The Astra missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is a product of indigenous research and technology development.
.png)
Image Source: The Indian Express
3. Variants of Astra Missile:
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there are two known variants of the Astra missile:
- Astra Mk-I: The initial version of the missile with a range of approximately 110 kilometers.
- Astra Mk-II: An upgraded version with enhanced range and maneuverability, intended to have a range of over 160 kilometers.
4. Key Highlights of Astra Missile:
- Capability: The Astra missile is designed for engaging targets at varying altitudes and ranges, providing a significant advantage in aerial combat scenarios.
- Guidance System: It uses an active radar seeker for target acquisition and onboard guidance to track and intercept the intended target.
- Maneuverability: Astra is equipped with advanced maneuvering capabilities, making it difficult for enemy aircraft to evade.
- High-Speed: The missile's high-speed capability ensures quick engagement of targets.
5. Strategic Significance:
- Enhanced Air Defense: The Astra missile strengthens India's air defense capabilities by providing a potent beyond-visual-range air-to-air engagement capability.
- Sovereignty and Independence: Developing and manufacturing the Astra missile indigenously reduces reliance on foreign sources and enhances India's self-reliance in defense technology.
- Aerial Superiority: Possessing advanced air-to-air missile technology contributes to maintaining air superiority, a critical factor in modern warfare scenarios.
- Deterrence: Astra's capability to engage targets at extended ranges discourages adversaries from approaching Indian airspace, thereby enhancing national security.
- Export Potential: Successful development and deployment of the Astra missile can potentially open avenues for export of advanced defense technology, boosting India's defense industry.
6. Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR AAM):
- A Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR AAM) is a type of missile designed to engage and destroy airborne targets, such as enemy aircraft or drones, at distances beyond the visual range of the pilot or operator.
- These missiles rely on various guidance systems, such as radar, infrared, or active radar seekers, to detect and track targets without direct visual contact.
- BVR AAMs offer the advantage of engaging adversaries from a safe distance, minimizing the risk to the launching aircraft.
7. Classifications of Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM):
Air-to-air missiles (AAMs) are categorized based on their intended use, range, guidance systems, and other characteristics. The classifications include:
- Short-Range AAM (SRAAM): Intended for close combat engagements, typically with ranges up to about 15 kilometers.
- Medium-Range AAM (MRAAM): Designed for engagements at medium distances, often employing radar guidance systems and ranges of around 20 to 80 kilometers.
- Beyond-Visual-Range AAM (BVR AAM): Geared for long-distance engagements, often using radar or infrared seekers and having ranges exceeding 80 kilometers.
- Active Radar Homing (ARH) AAM: Equipped with an active radar seeker that emits signals to track and engage targets. Examples include the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
- Infrared Homing (IRH) AAM: Relies on the heat signature emitted by the target aircraft to track and engage. Examples include the AIM-9 Sidewinder.
8. LCA Tejas:
- LCA Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft Tejas) is an indigenous, single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by India.
- It was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- LCA Tejas is intended for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA):
- The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program is India's initiative to develop a homegrown fighter aircraft to replace the aging fleet of MiG-21 aircraft.
- LCA Tejas is the result of this program. It embodies advanced technologies, including composite materials, digital flight control systems, and modern avionics.
- The LCA program aims to enhance India's self-reliance in defense technology and strengthen its air defense capabilities.
|
For Prelims: Astra Missile, Beyond visual range (BVR), Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the significance of Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVR AAM) in modern air warfare. Analyze their operational advantages, technological features, and strategic implications for air combat scenarios. (250 Words).
|
Source: The Indian Express
