There is a big good news for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is going to increase the range of Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile to more than 200 kilometers. Earlier its range was said to be a little more than 160 kilometers, but now it will be made longer.
The Defense Ministry will discuss this soon. IAF is going to buy about 700 such missiles, which will be installed on fighter planes like Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
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This missile is designed to shoot down enemy aircraft at Beyond Visual Range (BVR) i.e. at a distance that is not visible to the eye. India has been making such missiles of its own for a long time, so that it can maintain an edge in the air war in the area. operation vermilion There was limited air conflict between India and Pakistan during .
India attacked Pakistani airbases and terrorist camps from a distance. Pakistani Air Force suffered huge losses. Many of their fighter aircraft, such as the American F-16 and ChinaThe jets were destroyed in the air and on the ground. Besides, their big drones and spy planes also flew in attacks in Southern Pakistan.
Pakistan tried to retaliate. They fired PL-15 air-to-air missiles, but it failed. The range of the previous Astra Mark-1 missile is more than 100 kilometers. It has advanced guidance and navigation system. Apart from several DRDO labs, more than 50 public and private companies, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have contributed.
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Pakistan’s missiles: How do they compare with Astra?
Pakistan Air Force has less long range missiles like Astra. Their main fighter plane F-16 is fitted with American AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missile. Its range is about 100-120 kilometers. But recently Pakistan has purchased PL-15E missiles from China, which is the export version.
Its range is said to be 145 kilometers. If the new range of Astra Mark-2 is more than 200 kilometers, it will go far ahead of Pakistani missiles. The use of PL-15 also failed in Operation Sindoor, which shows that the training and technology of Indian pilots is better.
China’s missiles: world’s fastest?
China’s Air Force has PL-15 missile, which is the biggest rival of Astra Mark-2. This missile flies at a speed of 6,100 kilometers per hour. Its range is 200-300 km. It has an active electronically scanned array radar, which can lock the enemy from a distance.
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It is made for stealth fighter jets like J-20. PL-15 is considered as powerful as the Russian R-37 missile. But Astra Mark-2 is also now reaching this level. India’s missile is indigenous, so it can be easily upgraded.
What is the benefit to the Indian Air Force?
IAF will get many big benefits from Astra Mark-2.
- 1. If it is indigenous, then dependence on foreign imports will be less.
- 2. By purchasing 700 missiles, the strength of aircraft like Sukhoi and LCA will be doubled.
- 3. In BVR war, pilots will be able to kill the enemy from a distance, without coming in danger. This will give India an edge in air war, especially against neighbors like Pakistan and China.
Recent conflicts like Operation Sindoor have taught us how important long-range missiles are. Earlier it was difficult to target enemy jets like F-16, but now it will become easier with the weapon. This success of DRDO will inspire young engineers.
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