India DRDO Successfully Tests Two Astra BVRAAM Missile with Indigenous RF Seeker

In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two flight tests of the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) on July 11, 2025. What made these tests particularly significant was the successful validation of a newly developed indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker — a critical component that enhances the missile’s terminal guidance and overall performance.

These back-to-back tests mark a key milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced missile technologies and secure the Astra missile’s place among top-tier global air-to-air weapon systems.

Astra: India’s Answer to Modern Aerial Threats

The Astra BVRAAM is India’s first fully operational beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Designed to engage and destroy highly maneuverable aerial targets at ranges well beyond visual range, Astra has already been integrated on the Su-30MKI and is planned for integration on other platforms such as the Tejas Mk-1A and MiG-29UPG.

The missile has an effective range of over 100 km when launched from high altitudes. It can achieve speeds up to Mach 4.5, making it highly effective against fast-moving aircraft in both head-on and tail-chase scenarios. With a length of around 3.8 meters, a diameter of 178 mm, and equipped with a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the Astra is compact yet powerful.

The RF Seeker: Small Component, Big Impact

The main highlight of today’s test was the use of a newly developed indigenous Ku-band RF seeker. This seeker is crucial for the final phase of the missile’s flight — known as the terminal homing phase — where it locks onto the target using active radar signals.

The specifications of the new seeker are impressive:

• Operating Band: Ku-band (typically 12–18 GHz), ideal for high-resolution tracking and lower vulnerability to jamming.

• Weight: Just 12.5 kg, allowing integration without affecting missile balance or dynamics.

• Gimbal angle: ±55 degrees, enabling the seeker to lock onto targets that are off-axis from the missile’s initial path, enhancing its no-escape zone and flexibility.

This indigenous seeker, developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), has been under development for several years and marks a significant technological breakthrough. Prior versions of Astra used imported seekers, but this successful test now clears the path for full-scale production with 100% indigenous content.

Why This Matters

The successful flight tests validate not only the seeker but also India's ability to master complex missile subsystems — something only a handful of countries like the United States, Russia, France, and China have achieved. Developing and integrating an RF seeker in-house gives India greater autonomy over its missile inventory, reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, and ensures availability even during geopolitical tensions.

Moreover, the seeker’s design allows it to operate effectively in electronically contested environments, offering strong resistance to jamming and spoofing. This capability is particularly important in modern air combat scenarios, where electronic warfare plays a pivotal role.

Future Prospects

Following these successful trials, the Astra missile with indigenous seeker is expected to be cleared for production and operational deployment. It will eventually be fitted on all frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Navy, including future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

There are also parallel developments of Astra Mk-2 (with longer range of up to 160 km) and Astra Mk-3, which may employ dual-pulse propulsion or solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology for even greater engagement envelopes.

The successful test-firing of the Astra missile with an indigenously developed Ku-band RF seeker represents a major stride for India in high-tech missile warfare. It underscores DRDO's growing ability to deliver world-class technologies in-house and marks a key achievement in the country’s long-term vision of strategic self-reliance in defence systems.

With these developments, Astra not only strengthens India’s aerial combat edge but also establishes its defence industry as a credible global player in advanced missile technology.