---
title: "Astra BVR Air-to-Air Missile: India's DRDO Weapon"
description: "Astra is India's DRDO-developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, crucial for engaging hostile aircraft over 100 km, relevant for UPSC GS3 defense prep."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/astra-air-to-air-missile"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Astra is India's indigenously developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, designed by the DRDO to engage and destroy hostile aircraft at distances exceeding 100 kilometres.
- How does the Astra differ from the Akash missile?
- What is the range of the Astra Mk-1 versus the planned Mk-2 and Mk-3?
- Which agencies design and manufacture the Astra?
- Is the Astra fully indigenous?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Astra is India's indigenously developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, designed by the DRDO to engage and destroy hostile aircraft at distances exceeding 100 kilometres.

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In 2019, the Indian Air Force formally inducted the Astra Mk-1 after successful user trials from a Su-30MKI over the Bay of Bengal off Odisha, making it the IAF's first indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

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