Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2023

In a significant development, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas recently carried out a successful test of the ASTRA beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa. This milestone marks a crucial step forward for India’s indigenous defense capabilities. Let’s delve deeper into the ASTRA missile and its implications for Tejas and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The ASTRA Missile: Engaging Supersonic Aerial Targets

Extraordinary Range

The ASTRA BVR missile is designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets. What sets it apart is its impressive range, extending over 100 kilometers. To put this in perspective, it can engage targets at a distance greater than 20 nautical miles or approximately 37 kilometers.

Versatile All-Weather Capability

One of the key strengths of the ASTRA missile is its ability to operate in all weather conditions, be it day or night. This feature makes it an indispensable asset, ensuring readiness to respond to threats round the clock.

Joint Effort in Development

The ASTRA missile is the result of a collaborative effort involving several institutions under the aegis of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories have joined hands to craft this advanced weapon system.

Implications for Tejas

Enhanced Combat Prowess

The integration of the ASTRA missile with Tejas signifies a substantial boost to its combat capabilities. Tejas, a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft, is known for its versatility and ability to operate effectively in high-threat air environments. With the ASTRA missile in its arsenal, Tejas can engage and neutralize threats from afar, reducing the risk to its own safety.

Reducing Dependency on Imports

India’s pursuit of indigenous defense production has been a longstanding goal. The successful development and integration of the ASTRA missile into Tejas are significant steps towards achieving self-reliance in defense technology. This achievement will substantially reduce India’s reliance on imported weapons systems, bolstering national security.

ASTRA Missile in the Indian Air Force

Induction into the IAF

The ASTRA Mk-I Weapon System is not confined to Tejas alone. It is currently being inducted into the Indian Air Force, specifically integrated with the SU-30 Mk-I aircraft. This deployment underscores the IAF’s commitment to equipping its fleet with cutting-edge technology to maintain air superiority.

Important Points:

ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Missile: A Game-Changer

  • The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas successfully tested the ASTRA beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
  • The ASTRA missile is designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets with a range of over 100 kilometers.
  • BVR missiles can engage targets beyond 20 nautical miles (approximately 37 kilometers) and operate in all weather conditions.
  • The ASTRA missile is jointly developed by DRDO institutions, including DRDL, RCI, and others.
  • Integration of ASTRA missile significantly enhances Tejas’ combat capabilities, reducing reliance on imported weapons.
  • Tejas is a versatile single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of high-threat air operations.
  • The ASTRA missile is being integrated into the Indian Air Force, specifically with the SU-30 Mk-I aircraft.
  • This development reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology and enhancing national security.
Why In News

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in a remarkable display of its capabilities, successfully test-fired an ASTRA beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the picturesque coast of Goa. This significant achievement reaffirms the LCA Tejas as a formidable addition to India’s defense arsenal, showcasing its precision and range, while further bolstering the nation’s aerial defense capabilities.

MCQs about ASTRA Missile

  1. What is the key feature that sets the ASTRA missile apart from others?
    A. Speed
    B. Range
    C. Maneuverability
    D. Payload
    Correct Answer: B. Range
    Explanation: The ASTRA missile’s remarkable feature highlighted in the essay is its impressive range of over 100 kilometers.
  2. Which organization played a significant role in the development of the ASTRA missile?
    A. NASA
    B. ISRO
    C. DRDO
    D. HAL
    Correct Answer: C. DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization)
    Explanation: The ASTRA missile is jointly designed and developed by DRDO institutions, including DRDL and RCI.
  3. What is the primary advantage of integrating the ASTRA missile with Tejas?
    A. Enhancing payload capacity
    B. Reducing operational costs
    C. Increasing speed
    D. Enhancing combat capabilities
    Correct Answer: D. Enhancing combat capabilities
    Explanation: The integration of the ASTRA missile significantly enhances Tejas’ combat prowess, allowing it to engage and neutralize threats from afar.

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