Sky Triumph: LCA Fighters and Astra Missile Shine!
Indian Ministry of Defence Confirms Full Delivery of LCA Fighters and Astra Missile Test-Fire
In a recent update, the Indian Ministry of Defence revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully received all variants of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1 fighters. Furthermore, the IAF conducted a successful test-fire of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR-AAM) using these newly delivered jets.
The Astra missile test was carried out off the coast of Goa on August 23, with the missile release occurring at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat, the Astra missile is designed to engage highly maneuverable supersonic targets.
The announcement regarding the completion of LCA fighter deliveries was made during a review of the LCA programme led by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
The review also disclosed plans to induct an additional 83 LCA Mk 1-A aircraft into a newly established squadron in early 2024. The Tejas LCA fighter, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), first entered service with the IAF in 2016. It boasts a 23mm twin-barrelled Gah-23 gun and eight external hard points suitable for various air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, guided munitions, rockets, and bombs.
The Astra BVR-AAM, another creation by HAL, completed its development trials in 2018. With a length of 3.8 meters, the missile offers a high single-shot kill probability and can operate effectively even under adverse weather conditions. Featuring a diameter of 178mm and a launch weight of 160kg, the Astra missile can be used with a range of fighter aircraft.
The Astra missile was integrated into the Russia-built Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet and other aircraft platforms by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, with active collaboration from the IAF.
This significant milestone of LCA fighter delivery and the successful Astra missile test-fire underscores India’s progress in strengthening its indigenous aerospace capabilities.