DRDO Using Three-Pulse Solid Rocket Motor to Increase Astra Mk-2 Range from 160 km to 200+ km

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing propulsion for the Astra Mk-2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile by developing a three-pulse solid rocket motor, which aims to extend the missile’s effective range from the current 160 km to over 200+ km. This major propulsion upgrade will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to field a longer-range, all-weather, and fully indigenous air-to-air missile, further reducing dependence on imported systems.

From Two-Pulse to Three-Pulse Motor

The existing Astra Mk-2 uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor, which allows the missile to maintain thrust during different flight stages, improving its endgame energy and terminal kill probability. However, DRDO’s new three-pulse configuration, consisting of Pulse-1 (P1), Pulse-2 (P2), and Pulse-3 (P3), introduces an additional thrust phase. This allows for optimized energy management, letting the missile sustain higher velocities in the terminal phase and effectively engage agile, long-range targets.

This three-pulse design provides superior flexibility—each pulse can be ignited independently depending on the missile’s distance to target and flight profile—significantly enhancing range, acceleration, and engagement envelope compared to the existing model.

Hardware Realization Underway

As part of development, DRDO’s Directorate of Systems and Projects (DOSP) is overseeing the manufacturing and supply of rocket motor casing assemblies for the three-pulse configuration using MDN-250 alloy, known for its high strength and heat resistance. These assemblies include flanges, lugs, and adapters, essential for missile structural integrity. The production phase includes six prototype motors for testing and validation of ignition sequencing, burn profile, and overall system reliability before integration with the missile.

IAF’s Procurement Focus and Future Plans

Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force is most likely to procure nearly 700 Astra Mk-2 missiles for the 200+ km variant, not for the current 160 km version. This planned order reflects the service’s strong preference for a longer-range indigenous BVR missile, designed to equip multiple squadrons of Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft.

It is still unclear whether the IAF will place a separate order for the existing 160 km variant or if the current dual-pulse configuration will primarily serve as a technology demonstrator leading up to the production of the advanced 200+ km version. If no separate order follows, the 160 km Astra Mk-2 may remain a limited prototype platform used for testing and developmental purposes.

Expected Benefits of Three-Pulse Propulsion

The shift to a three-pulse motor offers several operational benefits:

• Extended range beyond 200 km through more efficient energy management.

• Higher end-game energy, improving the missile’s no-escape zone against maneuvering targets.

• Adaptive thrust control, allowing optimized pulse activation based on real-time flight conditions.

• Improved kinematic performance, ensuring better terminal accuracy at long distances.

Integration

Once qualified, the 200+ km Astra Mk-2 variant will mark a substantial step forward in India’s BVR missile ecosystem. Integration efforts with aircraft fire control and data-link systems are already ongoing to ensure seamless compatibility. The IAF’s planned procurement of nearly 700 units of the long-range version underscores confidence in DRDO’s capability and signals a transition toward full-scale indigenous missile deployment.

If DRDO successfully validates the three-pulse technology, the Astra Mk-2 will not only join the ranks of the world’s most advanced long-range BVR missiles but also establish India’s leadership in solid-propellant propulsion design.