New Delhi (Agency): In a major step towards the Indian government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas LSP-7 successfully test-fired the indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile on Wednesday. This landmark achievement took place at the coast of Goa and represents a critical development in India’s defense technology.
The missile release was executed flawlessly from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 feet. All the objectives of the test were met, and it was described as a “perfect textbook launch.”
ASTRA, a cutting-edge BVR air-to-air missile, is designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets. The missile’s development was a collaborative effort by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and other laboratories within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The successful test launch was a significant accomplishment, monitored not only by the Tejas twin-seater chase aircraft but also by the Test Director, scientists from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), along with officials from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA).
This triumph in technology represents a pivotal step towards India’s self-reliance in defense. Defence Ministry officials highlighted the firing of the ASTRA BVR missile from the homegrown Tejas fighter as a tangible move towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his admiration for the efforts of the ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, DG-AQA, and the industry, stating that the launch would “significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependency on imported weapons.”
The Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D), and Chairman DRDO also joined in congratulating the teams behind the successful launch.
India’s continuous effort to advance its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology is personified in the successful launch of the ASTRA missile from Tejas-LCA. This achievement stands as a testament to the collaboration, innovation, and determination of India’s defense sector, making a powerful statement to the world about India’s technical proficiency and dedication to self-reliance.
The success of the ASTRA missile launch not only marks a milestone for Indian military technology but also sends a message of India’s growing strength, confidence, and independence in the global defense arena. It underlines a future where India is not merely a consumer of foreign technology but a creator and innovator in its own right, strengthening the nation’s position on the international stage.