The Indian Tejas Light Combat Aircraft recently crossed a major milestone with the successful test firing of an indigenous air-to-air missile. On August 23, a Tejas fighter executed the launch of an ASTRA beyond visual range missile during a test off Goa.
The ASTRA was fired from approximately 20,000 feet altitude and achieved all of its test objectives. The advanced missile has been developed domestically by India's DRDO to engage aerial targets at extended ranges. This successful test proves the integration of the Tejas fighter with India's modern, homemade missile technology.
The launch was monitored by multiple Indian agencies including ADA, HAL, CEMILAC and DG-AQA. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted this test demonstrates progress towards self-reliance in aviation hardware and weaponry for the Tejas and other aircraft.
The lightweight Tejas fighter has itself been developed indigenously to replace aging jets. This firing validates the operational maturity of the aircraft. In addition, previous tests have already proven integration of the ASTRA missile with India's Su-30 fighters. There are future plans to integrate the ASTRA across more platforms as well.
Overall, this key test flight underscores the steady advancement of India's domestic combat aviation capabilities. Both the Tejas aircraft and ASTRA missile highlight the country's goal of achieving defense self-sufficiency through homegrown aerospace technologies.
Indian Tejas Fighter Successfully Test Fires Indigenous ASTRA Air to Air Missile
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