Anti-jamming capability of Astra missile successfully tested

GK4KPSC

The anti-jamming capability of  the air-to-air Astra missile  was successfully validated in recent trials conducted by missile scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

During the trials conducted the ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features to overcome any jamming was successfully evaluated. It should be noted that this test was conducted after the missile’s RF seeker and other electronic components were sought to be jammed in the earlier trials.

Several developmental trials, including captive flight mode, have already been completed, and with some more trials to be carried in future including air launch trial with a warhead, the missile will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015.

Facts to know about Astra missile :

• Astra missile is an active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by missile complex at Hyderabad and several DRDO laboratories in partnership with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Indian Air Force.
• The all-weather, radar homing missile has high manoeuvrability and capability to engage and destroy aerial targets at supersonic speeds of 1.2 Mach to 1.4 Mach
• It can engage targets in head-on up to 80 km and tail-chase up to 20 km modes. It can reach up to altitude of 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km.
• It is a 60-km plus range missile which possesses Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) making it one of the most reliable in its class of weapon systems.The missile could be launched at different altitudes from sea level to 20 km for engaging aerial targets at various ranges.
• DRDO is looking to integrate  the missile with Su-30, and also plans to mount it on other fighter aircraft including Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Mirage-2000 and MIG-29.