New Images Confirm Astra Mk-II as 200 km-Class Air-to-Air Missile

Fresh images shared by defence analyst @ReviewVayu have offered the clearest technical confirmation yet that India’s new Astra Mk-II air-to-air missile is a substantially larger and more advanced weapon than the operational Astra Mk-I. The missiles, displayed together at Aero India 2025 and again at the Department of Defence Production pavilion during the India International Trade Fair in New Delhi, have allowed analysts to closely study the structural and propulsion differences between the two variants.

Experts observing the latest photographs note that the Astra Mk-II is both longer and wider, signalling a major redesign focused on extending range and terminal performance. The most visible upgrade is its expanded propulsion system: the motor diameter increases from 178 mm in the Mk-I to 190 mm in the Mk-II, confirming additional propellant volume. The images also reveal a distinctive tapered mid-section, a feature absent in Astra Mk-I. Analysts believe this is because the warhead and guidance section on the Mk-II retains the narrower Mk-I diameter, while the motor section has been widened, creating a stepped profile where the two meet.

Further study of the display models suggests that the Mk-II incorporates a dual-pulse rocket motor, a major leap from the single-pulse Mk-I. Defence specialists note that both pulse-1 and pulse-2 motors use aft finocyl grain configurations, an advanced grain geometry that supports controlled burn characteristics, improved thrust efficiency, and sustained terminal energy. This allows the missile to re-energise itself mid-flight, enhancing manoeuvrability and kill probability at longer distances.

Although the Ministry of Defence has not officially announced the range of Astra Mk-II, the enlarged motor, added fuel volume, and dual-pulse system strongly indicate a range well beyond 150 km, with many analysts estimating up to 200 km in optimal launch conditions. In comparison, the current Astra Mk-I has a maximum range of 110 km. The new imagery also highlights that the Mk-II’s mid-section is not only longer but noticeably wider, reinforcing that the missile carries more propellant than its predecessor.

The Astra Mk-II was first unveiled to the public at Aero India 2025, where its expanded dimensions drew significant attention. Its reappearance at the ongoing trade fair has renewed interest among defence observers, who continue to express curiosity about the internal grain geometry of both propulsion pulses—details that remain classified.

With a larger airframe, dual-pulse propulsion, and an improved flight profile, the Astra Mk-II marks one of the most significant advancements in India’s air-to-air missile development. The missile is expected to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s long-range engagement capabilities and narrow the gap with global next-generation BVR platforms as testing progresses and induction draws closer.