Astra Missile – UPSC Prelims

  • It is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
  • The BVRAAM technology enables fighter-pilots to shoot precisely at the enemy targets which are beyond their visual range.
  • Astra is capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes allowing for engagement of both short-range targets (up to 20 km) and long-range targets (up to 80 km) using alternative propulsion modes.
  • It is indigenously developed by DRDO.
  • It is a single stage solid fuelled missile.
  • It is radar homing supersonic missile having maximum speed of Mach 4 (four times speed of sound).
  • It can fly towards the target at a speed of over 5,555 km per hour.
  • It has advance on-board electronic counter-measures that jam radar signals from enemy radar, making tracking of the missile difficult.

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