India Opens Missile Sector to Private Firms for Astra Mk2

Astra is India’s first beyond visual range air to air missile designed to destroy enemy aircraft at distances far beyond the pilot’s line of sight. Developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited, Astra travels at Mach 4.5 and carries a fifteen kilogram pre fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse that ensures lethal damage without requiring a direct hit. Indonesia became the first confirmed foreign buyer in 2026, integrating Astra with its Sukhoi fighters after India demonstrated the missile’s combat credibility during Operation Sindoor. With advanced electronic counter countermeasures to defeat chaff and jammers, Astra positions India as a serious player in the global defense market and signals a replicable export pathway for regional air forces seeking modern BVRAAM capability.