• Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a department of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully conducted test-launch of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) — Astra — from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft.

• The test firing of the missile was carried out off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha.

• The test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on a  flying target.

• All the sub-systems performed accurately meeting all mission parameters and objectives.

• It is capable of engaging targets at a range of over 100 km.

• The missile is equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems that allow it to destroy targets with greater accuracy.

• The missile is already inducted into the Indian Air Force.

• The success is the result of hard work by the integrated team from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with support from Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), IAF & Test range team. Further trials are planned towards the performance evaluation.

• ADA is the nodal agency for the design & development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the principal partner in the LCA Programme.

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