By Staff Correspondent
On July 11, 2025, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a significant milestone in India’s defence technology landscape with the successful flight-test of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker. Conducted off the coast of Odisha from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft, this event underscores the nation’s growing self-reliance in critical defence technologies and sets a new benchmark for indigenous innovation in military aviation.
The rigorous flight trials saw two launches of the Astra missile against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at varied ranges and under diverse conditions. Notably, both missiles achieved pinpoint accuracy, decisively destroying their targets. This not only affirmed the operational capability of the Astra system but also demonstrated its performance reliability across different combat scenarios.
Central to the significance of this effort is the successful performance of the indigenous RF seeker, a highly complex and crucial subsystem of modern air-to-air missile technology. Designed and developed in-house by DRDO, the seeker operated flawlessly during the trials. The accuracy and effectiveness of this homegrown system were corroborated by comprehensive flight data recorded by Range Tracking instruments deployed at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. The success of these tests affirms the technological maturity of India’s defence research establishment and strengthens the credibility of its missile development ecosystem.
Astra BVRAAM, with its range of over 100 kilometres and advanced guidance and navigation systems, is a testament to India’s capability to develop state-of-the-art weaponry tailored for contemporary and future warfare. The development process of Astra has been notable for its collaborative spirit, involving more than 50 public and private sector industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This collaboration showcases the synergistic efforts of India’s scientific, industrial, and defence communities in translating vision into reality.
The achievement has been widely acclaimed by national leadership. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh extolled DRDO, IAF, and all contributing industries, citing the development and successful testing of the indigenous seeker as a major milestone in critical defence technology. His sentiments underline the strategic imperatives of self-reliance, particularly in areas that constitute the core of national security. In addition, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, extended his congratulations to all teams involved, highlighting the collective effort and dedication that enabled the successful outcome.
The Astra BVRAAM flight-test with an indigenous RF seeker not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force but also signifies a robust leap toward technological autonomy and innovation in defence. This achievement reflects India’s steadfast commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and stands as a beacon of inspiration for ongoing and future indigenous defence projects. As the country continues to advance in high-technology domains, such successes reiterate India’s resolve and potential to shape its own security paradigm.
