DRDO’s Astra Mk-2 Missile Upgrade: IAF Orders 700 To Boost Range Beyond 200km

Last Updated:October 20, 2025, 12:23 IST

The Astra Mk-2 upgrade is seen as a direct counter to China’s PL-15. With its extended range of over 200 km, it surpasses Pakistan’s PL-15E, which reaches 145 km

The dual pulse solid rocket motor technology being integrated into the Astra Mk-2 enables it to compete with any modern missile. (Representative/PTI)

India is set to significantly boost its air power as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) upgrades the Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missile. According to sources, the missile’s range is being extended to over 200 kilometres, a substantial increase from its previous 160 km range.

Following this upgrade, the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to place an initial order of approximately 700 missiles. These will be deployed on frontline fighter jets such as the Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas. This move will not only bolster the air force’s strength but also position India among the few nations capable of launching Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles over distances exceeding 200 km.

200+ km Range ‘Astra Mk-2’

The Astra Mk-2 missile will enhance India’s standoff strike capability, allowing Indian pilots to target enemy aircraft over 200 kilometres away without entering the enemy’s air defence zone. This upgrade is viewed as a direct countermeasure to China’s PL-15 missile. While the maximum strike capability of Pakistan’s PL-15E missile is around 145 kilometres, India’s new Astra Mk-2 will surpass this range.

Dual Pulse Rocket Motor

The dual pulse solid rocket motor technology being integrated into the Astra Mk-2 enables it to compete with any modern missile. The first pulse accelerates the missile to high speeds, while the second pulse provides a new burst of energy in the final launch phase to accurately target enemy aircraft.

This technology is also employed in the American AMRAAM missile. Defence experts suggest that DRDO can achieve a range of over 200 km through fuel formulation improvements and engine design refinements.

Big Step Towards A Self-Reliant India

The Astra programme is a significant milestone in the ‘self-reliant India’ mission. The existing Astra Mk-1 (100 km range) achieved notable success during Operation Sindoor. The new missile will feature completely indigenous seekers, fibre-optic gyroscopes, and ECM resistance systems, making it formidable in electronic warfare. This marks a decisive step towards reducing India’s dependence on foreign weapons.

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